W. Steven Martin’s Police Toy Drive comes to Pete and Mac’s Pet Resort Avondale

Dec. 4, 2012 - PRLog -- W. Steven Martin’s Police Toy Drive comes to Pete and Mac’s Pet Resort in Avondale.

Pete and Mac’s Pet Resort in Avondale has joined forces with The Employee Network http://www.employeenetwork.com/ and W. Steven Martin’s Annual 911 Toy Drive http://www.911toydrive.com/about  to collect new, unwrapped toys for children in our community.

For as long as Phoenix radio personality W. Steven Martin can remember, Christmastime always has meant hundreds of requests for help from listeners of his radio program. In 1989, an unwieldy process of trying to grant the Christmas wishes of hundreds of needy families became manageable when local law enforcement officers were enlisted to distribute toys to children in need and at-risk families around Phoenix and the Valley of the Sun. Toys were stockpiled in the garage, and police officers from agencies around the Valley stopped by to select gifts for children and adolescents from families in neighborhoods the officers knew well. The thought was that by allowing these young people to see the police in a new light, one of giving and caring, that bonds would be formed between law enforcement and the tiniest victims of crime and poverty, thus helping to break the cycle of hate and fear that seemed to exist.

More and more officers heard of the program and wanted to participate. Corporate sponsors signed on as toy partners, a warehouse was donated, computers tracked the number of officers involved, and the program expanded statewide. In 1996, over 700 officers helped distribute more than 120,000 toys to children around the State of Arizona. And the praises from police departments poured in. This program has helped improve images and has brought about noticeable changes in neighborhoods.

The holiday is almost upon us, and although the 911 Toy Drive accepts donations year round, Pete and Mac’s will be transporting the toys collected at our resorts on Thursday 12/20.

Both Valley of the Sun Pete and Mac’s Pet Resorts are accepting donations. 321 E Elliot Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85234 in the East Valley and 13034 W Rancho Santa Fe Blvd, Avondale, AZ 85392 in the West Valley. Donations can be dropped off during regular lobby hours: Mon – Friday 6:30am – 7pm; Saturday 8am – 5pm and Sunday Noon to 6pm.

To thank people that donate Pete and Mac’s Pet Resorts is offering a coupon for $5 off a $20 or larger retail purchase for any toy donation.