News Flash

The Albuquerque Police Officers Association is pleased to announce that its annual Santa Patrol toy drive is expanding this year to help more children in New Mexico. Several law enforcement agencies across the state, including the Roswell Police Department, have signed on to take part in third annual Santa Patrol. Officers will hand out the donated toys to families in need that they encounter while on the job.
“As officers we often deal with families and children suffering through very low points. They are in distress and getting by on very little. We started Santa Patrol as a way to bring a little cheer to the kids in these situations,” APOA President Shaun Willoughby said. “Thanks to the generosity of the Albuquerque community, we’ve been able to help hundreds of kids over the last couple of years. We are thrilled that this year other law enforcement agencies will be taking part to help kids in their communities.”
Joining Albuquerque police for this year’s Santa Patrol is the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, and the police departments in Rio Rancho, Santa Fe, Roswell, Hobbs and the Valencia County Sheriff’s Office. Anyone who would like to donate can drop off new, unwrapped toys to any Planet Fitness gym in these communities through Dec 23. The Roswell location is 1709 S. Main St.
“We respect the hard work our law enforcement officers do to make our communities better and help those in need, and that’s why Planet Fitness is honored to team up with them on Santa Patrol,” Mike Shapiro, Planet Fitness President of Operations said.