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Pittsburgh Police collecting toys for holiday season

PITTSBURGH — During this holiday season, Pittsburgh police and the “Tree of Hope” are trying to make sure every child has at least one gift this Christmas.

They are collecting toys at police headquarters on the North Side.

For many, this is the toughest Christmas season they’ve ever had.

“People have lost their jobs because of COVID and times are tight. Everybody needs a little help now more than ever before, so if you get a couple of gifts for your kids to be able to have something to give them on Christmas — just to make it a special day,” Sgt. Tiffany Costa with Pittsburgh police said.

Pittsburgh police and the nonprofit Tree of Hope know we can’t gather with our families like we used to, many holiday traditions are on hold, and not all parents can afford to put presents under the tree. But they are working to make sure every child has at least one gift.

“It’s just so hard for everyone right now, this is the time to open up your heart and open up your wallets if you can, because there are so many people who need your help this year,” Tree of Hope’s Adrienne Young said.

Anybody who wants to donate toys to families can drop off a new, unwrapped toy at Pittsburgh police headquarters on Western Avenue.

If anybody knows a family in need of toys, you can email Christmas2020@pittsburghpa.gov with your name, phone number, address, and name, gender and ages of the children by Dec. 21.

Pittsburgh police will deliver the toys to porches in the days leading up to Christmas.

“People do care, and the police care; we want to be able to help out families,” Costa said.