Editorial: Farmington came through with toys

Talk about it

Nice work, Farmington.

Just a few weeks ago, police chief Brian Lindquist was in a difficult situation. He expected a big demand for this year’s Toys for Town drive, and with the collection period moving quickly toward its end, donations had been slow to come in. There appeared to be a very real possibility the department’s efforts would fall short for the first time in memory.

We should have known better.

After Lindquist made a call for help in the pages of this paper, declaring himself desperate, Farmington residents came through like never before. By the time the drive was over, the department had more than 2,000 toys. They were so well supplied they didn’t have to make the shopping trip that typically uses cash donations to fill in the gaps. Donations were so plentiful Toys for Town was able to pass items on to the United States Marines’ Toys for Tots drive.

Students at North Trail Elementary School alone donated more than 400 items.

That’s an impressive showing, and it’s just one more reminder that Farmington residents come through when there is a need. Toys for Town organizers know that now even more than they did before. Organizers at the Farmington Food Shelf know it, too. No matter how tough the times, there has always been something on the shelves to give help to the people who need it.

Because of the generosity of Farmington residents, 217 local kids in 84 families will have a good Christmas. That’s something to be proud of.

Tags: opinion, farmington, commentaries