Story Created:
Nov 30, 2008 at 8:26 PM CST
Story Updated:
Dec 1, 2008 at 9:16 AM CST
One by one, people came in out of the cold weather and into the Central City Complex in Jackson to drop off unwrapped toys and listen to music.
The Jackson Police Department has teamed up with 99 Jams and McDonald's to kick off their "Thomas Catchings Annual Toy Drive" during a fund-raising concert this year.
Organizers named the toy drive after fallen officer Thomas Catchings. Deputy Chief Tyrone Lewis told FOX 40 News to carry this event on in the fallen officer's name was an honor and means a lot to us (officers). Organizers tell FOX 40 News they are expecting to serve a lot of needy families this year because of a failing economy.
On-Air Personality Christiana Houston told FOX 40 News it's important to let the communities know they want to give back every year especially in times like these.
"We try to help a lot of needy families in the Jackson area every year," said 99 Jams DJ Sam Brown. Every year we get a lot emails and letters from people who need help said Brown.
Music artists hit the stage in order to collect toys for needy families. Willie Clayton, Floyd Taylor and David Banner are just some of the artists entertaining for a good cause.
"What's makes it so good, we have a mixture of young and old and gospel all in one. That's what this community is made of, so we got something for everyone," said Deputy Chief Lewis.
Sgt. Kim Harrison told FOX 40 News this event allows the police department to get out and help the community in other ways. "We care about where this city is going. And we want to try and promote that side of us," said Sgt. Harrison.
"Where we get to go out into the community and not just go out and arrest people. We have to do it. But this is another aspect of our jobs."
Any unwrapped gift can be dropped off at any Jackson Police Precinct, the JPD Training Academy or the Jackson Police Headquarters.
The families who will receive gifts from the Jackson Police Department's "Christmas Celebration" will receive their gifts on Saturday, December 22, 2008 from 2PM - 4PM at the Jackson Police Training Academy.
