‘Santa’s Ride’ brings toys to children at Fairfax Hospital

The Fairfax County Police Motor Squad is heading up the 2011 Santa’s Ride for Children, an annual toy drive for kids at Fairfax Hospital and for those who might not have a cheerful holiday season without your help.

Members of the public are encouraged to donate new, unwrapped toys, games, and books. You can bring the gifts to any police station, including the Mason District station on Columbia Pike, the Fairfax County Government Center; or to any of nine designated schools, including Woodburn Elementary School on Gallows Road in Annandale. All donations must be dropped off by 9 a.m., Dec. 12.

Officers from the motor squad, along with the Virginia State Police, Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office, City of Vienna Police Department, City of Fairfax Police Department, and the Falls Church Sheriff’s Office will be accompanying Santa as he collects the toys on a motorcycle. The motorcade will be at Woodburn Elementary on Dec. 13, says Mary Weaver, a volunteer in the Mason District Crime Prevention Office, who is also known as “Mrs. Claus.”