Mountain View's "Cops That Care" Gift Drive is Underway

More than 1,700 children from the community will gather at the Mountain View Police Department Dec. 21 for the 11th annual "Cops That Care" holiday gift giving event. 

This wildly successful event, founded by Officer Ron Cooper, provides gifts for children whose families may not have the means to purchase gifts on their own. 

“I’m very excited to kick off the 11th year of 'Cops that Care,'" Cooper said. "Thank you to the Mountain View citizens for making my dream of bringing a smile to a child’s face at Christmas a reality.”    

Children through 18 years of age who have an affiliation to Mountain View will be able to visit the Police/Fire Auditorium at 1000 Villa St. and select a toy from the thousands available.

Every year, the Mountain View Police Department relies on cash and toy donations from the community in order to make this event successful and fun for the children. 

The department is now accepting new and unwrapped toys and clothing, as well as gift cards and cash. 

Donations can be brought directly to the Police Department at 1000 Villa St. and will be accepted up to the day of the event. 

Checks should be made out to the Mountain View Police Activities League (MVPAL) with "Cops that Care" written in the comment section (Tax ID #23-7072928).

This program is designed for families in Mountain View who are unable to purchase gifts for their children this holiday season. 

Parents or guardians of participating children will be asked to present something that will show their child's connection to Mountain View.  Examples include, but are not limited to: driver’s license/ID card with a Mountain View address, school report card, school ID, child day care enrollment form or bill, utility bill, etc.   

The Police/Fire Auditorium will be open to children on Saturday, Dec. 21 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 

For more information about donations, community members should contact Officer Cooper at 650-903-6712.