Students, police start plan for toy drive

Thursday, November 12, 2015
Cloverdale Police Chief Mike Clark discusses plans for food distribution with committee members freshman Caroline Cupp (left) and sophomore Kelsey Tungett. (Banner Graphic/SABRINA WESTFALL)

CLOVERDALE -- Students and staff from three local schools, along with Cloverdale Police Chief Mike Clark, started serious planning this week for the upcoming Clovers, Cops and Christmas event.

Cloverdale FFA director Callie Edie and her students have partnered with the Cloverdale Police Department to provide dinner and Christmas gifts to local families in need. The event is scheduled for Dec. 19 at C Bar C in Cloverdale.

Last year, Cloverdale Police Department hosted its first Christmas dinner and toy drive. Cloverdale FFA has been hosting a toy drive for nearly a decade, so this year the two groups have banded together -- with the help of two other schools -- to make the Christmas celebration bigger and better.

In addition to the Cloverdale group, South Putnam and North Putnam students attended Wednesday's kickoff in an effort coordinate the various committees.

Edie explained the night started with a series of "get to know you" games in order to better acquaint the students from the three schools.

The evening ended with students splitting into their respective committees to discuss plans for the night of the event, which included gift wrapping, decorations, book distribution, serving food and more.

Clark is leading the food serving committee because his officers will be taking the lead during the event.

He explained last year, Cloverdale police officers were required to serve food to the roughly 160 visitors at the Christmas dinner. Clark explained this is an excellent way for the officers to be face-to-face with members of the community, and despite initial nervousness they enjoyed the opportunity.

Even though the police and Cloverdale FFA are partnering for the inaugural Clovers, Cops and Christmas event, he still wants officers to continue interaction with the people in the community.

Clark added as the event nears, he has received help from the community for the dinner and toy drive. Soul Harvest Church has once again offered to help with the meal. In addition to C Bar C donating the space for the event, the business donated $1,000 to help with purchasing food.

Cloverdale sophomore Kelsey Tungett is serving on the food distribution committee led by Clark and expressed her excitement for the event.

"My heart just fills up with love when the people come here (for the toy drive) ... I love it," Tungett said.

Edie stressed the Cloverdale FFA toy drive was hosted the first Thursday of December for several years at the school, but this year has changed due to the collaboration.

"I want to note this is a family event. Everyone is invited to the dinner, and those who are in need can get toys," Edie said, adding this is a judgment-free event focused on ensuring all families have a successful Christmas.

With the event just over a month away, Edie and Clark both said donations are "getting there," but additional help is needed as they are hoping for a big crowd this year.

Donations can be made by contacting Cloverdale High School at 795-4203 or the Cloverdale Police Department at 795-3800 Ext. 1. There are also several donation boxes and jars set up throughout the county for easy donation.

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