'Charity fatigue' affects toy drive of city police

By Times Staff Writer
Published December 9, 2005

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CLEARWATER - Donations to the Police Department's annual toy drive have fallen sharply this year, raising concerns that Christmas will be less than merry for some local children.

Officer Lenshawn Price attributes the problem to "charity fatigue" after disasters like Hurricane Katrina and the tsunami in Asia. "People have been giving all year long," Price said. "But we just want to remind everyone that we have people in our own back yard that are going without." Since 1959, the Clearwater police Officer Friendly Christmas Cheer program has collected toys for needy children and their families. Price asked people interested in donating to bring money or new toys to police headquarters at 645 Pierce St. or call 562-4144 for pickup. The deadline is Dec. 16.