Capitol Police make donation to Toys for Tots

The Capitol Police, joined by the Nevada Peace Officers and a surprise donation from American West Guns, made their annual donation to Toys for Tots Wednesday.

Office Alice Valdez said this year’s haul included a total of 14 large boxes of donations — everything from electronics to large stuffed animals for needy children in western Nevada. She said there also were three bicycles with helmets in the pile.

Joyce Buckingham of Toys for Tots said the gifts will brighten Christmas for some 4,000 young people in Carson City, Douglas, Lyon and Storey counties this year.

In addition to the donated toys and other gifts, Sean Giurlani of the Nevada Peace Officers Association presented Buckingham with a $500 check from his members.

And, in an unexpected surprise, Jim Campbell of America West Guns presented her with another $500 check. He said his business is doing well enough this year he felt he and his wife could contribute to the cause as well to help ensure that none of those needy children goes without a present.

Buckingham said the Capitol Police drive has boosted donations to Toys for Tots for nine years now and that, “the need is ever so great.”