MOUNT VERNON – Even without the COVID-19 pandemic, many families across Knox County struggle throughout the holiday season, forcing parents to make tough decisions about purchasing toys for their children due to income being in short supply.

As part of an annual tradition, the Knox County Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 147, in partnership with The Salvation Army, is working to bring joy to families across Knox County with its annual toy drive, which is usually held in November. 

The Mount Vernon News spoke with Sgt. Dan Selby, president of the Knox County FOP Lodge 147, to learn more about what the toy drive means to local law enforcement officers and the community at large. 

"The Knox County FOP Lodge 147 has been doing the Toy Drive now for at least ten years," Selby said. "What I love the most about the Toy Drive is that it is a way we can give back to our community. It is our way of showing our appreciation to the community members, and it allows us to show them how much we care about the community we serve."

In addition to the annual November drive, lodge members also participated in Shop with a Cop, an outing at Wal-Mart to shop for items on a list from local families, with all purchased items delivered to individual families. A total of 10 families with 15 children will be assisted this year. 

Although the coronavirus has limited most public gatherings and events, the annual toy drive has remained largely unaffected by the virus. 

"COVID-19 only affected where we were able to stand while collecting the toys," Selby said. "Most of the places allow us to stand inside their store except for Wal-Mart. This year, the majority of our locations, we stood outside instead of inside of the stores."

On the question of whether Knox can expect another toy drive in 2021, Selby answered in the affirmative. 

"You can absolutely expect a toy drive in 2021," he said.  "As long as I am involved in Knox County FOP Lodge 147, we will always be doing the Toy Drive in November, and we will always be doing the Shop with a Cop. Hopefully, next year we are able to get enough donations to go back to helping kids purchase back-to-school items and help more families in need at Christmastime." 

Individuals interested in donating to the events can send their donations to the Knox County FOP Lodge #147; P.O. Box 327; Mount Vernon, OH  43050. 

Questions can be emailed directly to fop147@yahoo.com.