Santa’s Ride collects toys for hospitalized children

The 2017 Santa’s Ride stopped by Mason Crest Elementary School in Annandale.

The Fairfax County Police Motor Squad, with help from other law enforcement agencies, will visit several local schools Dec. 10, including St. Ambrose Catholic School in Annandale, for the annual Santa’s Ride.

The police are asking the public to donate unwrapped toys, games, books, and gifts and will deliver them to children spending the winter holiday in the hospital. Items for children and teens can be dropped off in the decorated boxes at any police station, including the Mason Police  Station on Columbia Pike, by Dec. 9. 

Santa’s Ride has been an annual tradition in Fairfax County since 1988.

Each year, a contingent of law enforcement officers on Harleys accompany Santa as they make the rounds of a handful of schools throughout the county. Students are let out of class to come outside and greet Santa and his helpers.