Don't forget the annual CHiP's for KiD's Toy Drive is happening through December 18th and 23ABC is a proud partner.
With the start of December the holiday season can be felt all around and California Highway Patrol is getting into the spirit by collecting toys for families in need right here in Kern County.
Toys…teddy bears…and bikes for kids of all ages are on display today for a good cause. CHP is hosting their 8th annual CHiPS for Kids drop-off day. Something that make take a lot of work to set up but is well worth it in the end. And everyone dropping off Barbie’s, footballs and giant teddy bears all have a different reason for coming out. “I think that Christmas is special and wouldn’t want any kid to wake up on Christmas morning and have nothing so that is part of the motivation, said Lisa King who donated today.
And even the youngest children found a way to give kids in need a toy. “We bought it with our canned money and we used it to buy with our canned money,” said Frank Salinas who donated today. Walgreens even bringing two truckloads. “We throw it out there when they are ringing up hey just so you know we are collecting toys for chips for kids right now and they are very happy to do that. You know they might just be getting toys for themselves and might just grab a couple more and throw them right in there,” said Jamie Contreras a store manager at Walgreens.
Whether it’s helping those less fortunate… “Well honestly I like helping out helping less fortunate kids out that really can’t have toys on Christmas,” said John Vidal a volunteer Spreading Christmas joy…“I just feel like some kids can’t have a Christmas like others and I just like helping out and giving a little joy,” said Nate Laird a volunteer. Or passing on happy Christmas memories…“All my life I’ve had good Christmases and I couldn’t imagine I didn’t have what I did have,” said Ian Wedeking a volunteer.
In the end they all hope for a moment like this…”she was crying in my arms and I’m holding her and then the mom comes over and we’re all…I’m crying…it was that touching to know that that person and that family has toys now,” said Robert Rodriguez, public information officer for CHP. Making the holiday that only comes once a year, leave memories that will last a life time.
Other drop-off locations:
- CHP Headquarters, 9855 Compagnoni St
- KERO 23ABC, 321 21st St
- Motor City, 3215 Pacheco Rd
- Carneceria La Carreta, 3015 Calloway Dr and 5792 Stine Rd
- Bakersfield Californian, 1707 Eye St
