Toys for the kids: RRHS and CHS collect toys for RRPD drive

RIO RANCHO — A lot of less fortunate kids are going to get toys for Christmas this year.

The Rio Rancho Police Department is seeing to that by holding its annual toy drive with both Rio Rancho and Cleveland high schools. RRPD visited the schools Dec. 2-3 to collect the toys.

“I want to thank each and every one of you for making this happen. Without your support, we couldn’t have brought together so many gifts for children in need,” RRPD Capt. Nick Army said.

He added that when he sees the toys, he sees the smiles of kids that are going to receive them.

RRHS Athletic Director Sal Gonzales, who received a certificate of recognition from the RRPD, prompted the students who brought the toys to think about the impact they will have.

“I want you to just think about the kids that you are affecting because of these gifts. I know that for myself, growing up, my children growing up, we’ve always been extremely lucky to have gifts for Christmas, and they’ve always pretty much gotten what they wanted and that’s normal for us,” he said. “Well, what we don’t understand is in our community there are just so many kids that don’t get anything and they don’t understand why Santa doesn’t come to their house when the rest of their friends get stuff.”

Cleveland Activities Director Cathy Shallenberger thanked the students there for taking time out of their lives to make even one kid happy.

“I worked for elementary for 18 years, and I saw kids that did not get a Christmas gift,” she said.

During a student-led interview, Shallenberger said the activities director position has always been her dream job and that moments like the toy drive make it worth it.

CHS Athletic Director Matt Martinez and student Jennica Montejano, who helped organize the Cleveland toy drive, were presented with certificates as well.

Kids in need will receive their toys at RRPD’s Christmas Festival Dec. 13.