Essex County Sheriff’s Office distributes toys and more to disadvantaged children

For more than 30 years, Essex County Sheriff Armando B. Fontoura and Sheriff’s Officers have been delivering toys to disadvantaged children in our community as part of the Essex County Sheriff’s annual Holiday Toy Drive. 

Sheriff Fontoura and Sheriff’s Officers loaded multiple vehicles and delivered 3,500+ toys, 300+ new or like-new coats, as well as boots, hats, socks, and more to 45+ local schools, churches, pantries, domestic violence victims’ shelters, and homeless shelters located throughout Essex County; notably Fourteenth Avenue Elementary School, La Casa de Don Pedro Early Childhood Center, among others.

Actively giving back to the Essex County community by hosting this annual Toy Drive for over three decades, Sheriff Fontoura said, “I am grateful for the generosity and support of the members of our department. Seeing the smiles on these kids’ faces when they open a toy always brings joy to my eyes.”