Police collecting toys and more for kids

The Coeur d’Alene Police Foundation’s annual "Children’s Hospital Toy Drive" is in full speed.

The foundation plans to help kids who are "fighting through or recovering from their illnesses in a hospital bed. These young patients will be without the comfort of home, family and gifts.

"While we can’t bring home and family to these young patients, our goal is to bring some holiday cheer by providing them with gifts, smiles and well wishes from the Coeur d’Alene Police Foundation," said a press release.

Last year, the community donated about $20,000 in toys and cash, all of which was delivered to local hospitals in time for children to enjoy new toys Christmas morning.

Coeur d’Alene Police Foundation members, family and Coeur d'Alene Police Explorers will be volunteering during a toy drive for toddlers to teens from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Walmart, 550 W. Honeysuckle Ave.

The group will soon make deliveries to Kootenai Health and Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital.

Donations will also be accepted at the Coeur d’Alene Police Department, 3818 Schreiber Way, and Anchored Coffee Company, 451 W. Dalton Ave.