Donate Toys For Hospitalized Children In Annandale

ANNANDALE, VA—As Christmas approaches, children are making their wish lists for Santa Claus. In Fairfax County, some special children won't have to wait until Christmas for some holiday cheer.

Fairfax County Police are collecting toys for children in local hospitals leading up to Santa's "Ride for Children." The event has been a longtime tradition for Santa and his elves to collect and deliver toys to these children.

Once again this year, Santa will temporarily trade in his sleigh and reindeer for a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and police escort. The Fairfax County Police Motor Squad, along with the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office, Virginia State Police, Fairfax City Police, the Town of Vienna Police, and the Herndon Police will escort Santa for the toy delivery.

The deliveries will happen Dec. 13 and 14 at INOVA Children’s Hospital Child - Life Services Center and the Georgetown Hospital Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. Toys not given out during Santa’s visit are left with the Child Life programs at each hospital. Those toys are used throughout the year to provide the children something to keep their mind off being in the hospital. Toys will also go to various local charities including Life with Cancer and the Herndon-Reston F.I.S.H. (Friendly Instant Sympathetic Help).

Toy collections will happen at local police stations, other government facilities, and eight Fairfax County Schools. Anyone wishing to make a donation can bring a new, unwrapped toy, game, book, or other gift to any Fairfax County Police Station, Fairfax County Public Safety Headquarters, Fairfax County Print Shop at the Government Center, or the lobbies of the Pennino and Herrity Office Buildings. All donations should be made before 9 a.m. Monday, Dec. 11.

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