‘Tis the season for giving — and in Hoboken, the local police and fire departments are teaming up to do just that. The Hoboken Fire Department and Hoboken Police Department are hosting their annual toy drives this December for local children in need. The two organizations have joined forces over the last few years to create one large-scale toy drive that serves an even bigger population of families in our Hudson County area.
“We’ve been doing it for 20 years and finally decided to join forces and do one toy drive event between our two departments,” Sergeant Pete Zanin of the Hoboken Police Department shared with HobokenGirl.com. He leads the drive with Sergeant Arbend Drishti and Hoboken Fire Captain Nick Goldsack.
They have set up two collection boxes in Hoboken — one at the Hoboken Police Department {106 Hudson Street} and the other uptown at the Hoboken Fire Department {1313 Washington Street}. The departments are also hosting an in-person event on December 11th from 8:00AM-6:00PM where residents can drop off toys at 630 Washington Street in Hoboken.
This year, however, the departments joining forces is not the only addition — they also have an Amazon Wishlist, which can be found here {making it *super* easy to donate — so get to it!}. But if you’re wanting to buy something locally and drop off at one of the two drop-off locations, you can definitely do that as well.
“It’s a great event, and all of the toys go to families in need through the Hoboken Grace Church and the West Side Women’s Group in Hoboken, which is part of the Hoboken Housing Authority,” Sgt Zanin explained. As a born-and-raised Hoboken resident, he is excited to have taken over the organization of the drive for his hometown, to give back to the local community. He also noted that any left over gifts get donated to HOLA and Hope House in Jersey City. Last year they collected several thousand toys for families — which seems to be the trend year to year — an incredible feat helping so many during the holiday season.
On December 11th’s in-person drive, the police and fire departments will be giving out hot cocoa to anyone that stops by 630 Washington Street in Hoboken to drop off toys. But even if you can’t make it, make sure to stop by uptown or downtown to drop off any gifts throughout the month, or use the Amazon wishlist found here. They’re accepting toys throughout the season – so you can do it at any time this month.
Thanks to our Hoboken PD and FD for always keeping us safe and also giving back to the community!
