The annual Operation Fill the Boat toy drive gives toys back to families in need. File photo
Operation Fill the Boat is collecting unwrapped toys for local children and families ahead of Christmas, with donations accepted through Nov. 30.
Toys can be dropped off at the Granite Shoals Police Department, 410 N. Phillips Road, or Granite Shoals Fire Rescue, 8410 W. FM 1431.
The annual drive began as a school-supply collection organized by a former police officer who recognized a need among local children, according to Granite Shoals Police Chief John Ortis. After its success, the department expanded the effort to Christmas and partnered with Christmas Outreach.
The department later received calls from parents who still needed help after Christmas Outreach had distributed its toys. Jaime and Selene Veloz, members of a custom truck club, approached Ortis with an idea to collect additional donations through a truck show.
That idea became the annual Operation Fill the Boat truck show, scheduled this year for Dec. 12 at Quarry Park. The event draws custom truck enthusiasts from across Texas to support the toy drive.
Ortis said the need extends beyond Christmas gifts. In 2018, a teacher at Highland Lakes Elementary School gave him a student’s letter to Santa requesting food stamps. The letter left a lasting impression.
Asking for help can be difficult for parents, Ortis said. The department relies on community donations to assist as many families as possible.
“We strive to be the sleigh, not the big guy in the red suit. It’s about giving back, not the notoriety,” Ortis told DailyTrib.
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