'We're not always the bad guys': CHP hosts its annual CHiPs for Kids Toy Drive

Dec. 1—The California Highway Patrol created quite a commotion at Compassion Corner on Friday in downtown Bakersfield as the law enforcement agency kicked off its 13th annual CHiPs for Kids Toy Drive.

Police motorbikes escorted five tow trucks carrying toys that were donated by towing companies. The trucks and escorts were met by Bakersfield College cheerleaders.

With the help of Santa Claus, the cheerleaders unloaded the trucks and moved all the gifts to the donation table. Gifts ranged from small action figures and squirt guns to 10-foot basketball hoops.

Keeping the children in mind, CHP Officer Tomas Martinez said this toy drive sends a message about the CHP's commitment to the community.

"A lot of people have had bad encounters with law enforcement," Martinez said. "So with this drive we are able to bridge that gap. We can let them know that we are here to help, we are not always the bad guys and we do want to make a positive impact, especially with the younger generation. We want to let them know that we are here to help."

Partnered with local businesses and public agencies, the CHP aims to make a difference this holiday season for the underserved children of Kern County.

"We work with the Kern County Network for Children," Martinez said. "They work with several collaboratives that are in areas where these underserved kids actually need toys. ... They don't have those Christmases like other people are fortunate to have. So with partnering with them, we are able to provide those toys."

Local Walgreens stores, Motor City Lexus and the Carniceria La Carreta locations, specifically, are collaborating with the CHP by promoting the toy drive to customers and using their locations as donation drop-off points.

Focused on purely giving back, Martinez said there is no specific goal of donations attached to the drive. He said the CHP just wants to be able to give one more gift to the next child.

Before COVID-19, the 15-day toy drive had consistently garnered around 4,000 gifts each year. Thanks to the Kern community, Martinez said, that number is slowly making its way back up with recent years averaging around 2,500 donations.

"To see the kids pick up their gifts, the smiles on their faces and the awe when they walk into the room and they see all the toys the community has donated, it is the reason I come back every single year," said Shanan Mallard, a veteran volunteer for the toy drive.

The CHP is asking for a range of unwrapped toys and gifts that are suitable for newborn babies to midteens.

Kids who are participating in the CHiPs for Kids Toy Drive will be given pokerlike-chips that they can redeem to receive a donated gift.

The public is invited to donate until Dec. 15. The CHP plans to distribute the gifts on Dec. 19 at a location to be disclosed to recipients closer to the date.