Continuing a tradition more than two decades strong, the City of Newark Police Department, in cooperation with Aetna, Hose, Hook & Ladder Fire Company of Newark and the United States Marine Corps Reserve, will once again deliver hundreds of toys to local children this holiday season. Together, they hope to collect more than 500 toys for deserving youth in the Newark area.

"The generosity of our residents is evident through their participation in charity drives like the Toys for Tots campaign," said acting city manager Tom Coleman. "Families in our community benefit directly from the kindness of others, which is especially heartwarming during the holiday season."

Now through Friday, December 14, residents and visitors are encouraged to drop off new, unwrapped gifts for children up to 12 years of age. A donation barrel is located in the lobby of the Newark Municipal Building at 220 South Main Street.

The donated gifts will be sorted by age groups and wrapped by volunteers and delivered to deserving children in several Newark neighborhoods.