Charity drive nets 289 toys, random acts of kindness

Oxford Village police officers show off some of the toys folks donated for kids in need. Photo provided.
Oxford Village police officers show off some of the toys folks donated for kids in need. Photo provided.

The world’s population has grown immensely since Santa began making his annual trips centuries ago.

That’s why he has legions of helpers everywhere to ensure every child who wants a Christmas gift, receives one.

In Oxford, Santa’s helpers took the form of the village police department and chamber of commerce as the two organizations joined forces to collect 289 toys for kids in need.

Half of the toys went to the Oxford Lions Club, which will distribute them as part of its annual Christmas baskets program.

The remainder went to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program.

Police Chief Mike Solwold was impressed, but not surprised, by the community’s generosity. What really touched his heart were three random acts of kindness performed by complete strangers.

At one point, he and his wife, Shawna, were at a store purchasing toys with some cash donations when they went over budget. Solwold was reaching into his own wallet to cover the difference, when a man in line overheard who the toys were for and handed them a gift card.

The next instance happened on Dec. 1 when the department’s Chevy Tahoe was parked along Washington St. in front of Centennial Park, waiting for folks to stuff it with donated toys.

A man stopped and told an officer there “he didn’t have time to get a toy,” so he handed over a $100 bill.

About an hour later, the man returned and gave the officer another $200 in cash.

“He stated that he bought a lottery ticket and won $500 so he came back to give more money,” Solwold wrote in a memo to the chamber.

The third generous act happened when a lady at Meijer saw Solwold and his wife shopping and learned it was for charity. This woman heard Shawna say they were “right at budget, but really wanted to buy” a stuffed Grinch.

“We were going to return to purchase the Grinch when we saw that it had been dropped off at the police Tahoe by the same lady that had overheard us talking about it,” the chief wrote.

Solwold wished to express his gratitude and sincere appreciation to these folks who helped bolster his holiday spirit and faith in mankind.

“It’s heartwarming,” he said. “It makes me feel good to know there’s a lot of good people out there with a lot of good intentions, (who) want to help others . . . Sometimes people just happen to be in the right place at the right time and they want to do the right thing. It chokes you up a little bit . . . I know there’s a lot of good folks in this area, which is why I love working and living here.”

His wife was equally moved and appreciative.

“You can’t help but feel the love that is here in Oxford,” Shawna said. “You can’t help but be emotional . . . It’s just an overwhelming feeling of goodness.”

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