Cops, Kids & Toys is so much more than toys
February 14, 2023

Cops, Kids & Toys helps children in Tompkins County, NY, in many meaningful ways, including providing and properly installing car seats. Tyler Mix from the Tompkins County Probation Department and a Cops, Kids & Toys board member is one of only a handful of people in Tompkins County who has been certified as a Car Seat Technician. This means that Tyler has received specialized training on how to properly install car seats.


Cops, Kids & Toys works with several community agencies providing car seats for families who may not be on public assistance but still cannot afford a car seat for their children (there is a separate program for families on public assistance). Southside Community Center contacted Cops, Kids & Toys asking for help in obtaining extra car seats so that they could safely transport children in their care. On February 14, 2023, Cops, Kids & Toys, the Probation Department of Tompkins County, and the Ithaca Police Department delivered two car seats to Southside Community Center to help them transport children safely. This is just one of the many ways Cops, Kids & Toys gives back to the children and community of Tompkins County. 

A group of police officers and volunteers posing for a photo in a shopping mall food court.
March 25, 2026
The 2nd Annual Cops, Kids & Toys Walk-A-Thon was a huge success! Thank you to the Chrome Divas of Ithaca, DJ Rocket Morton, our sponsors, volunteers, and everyone who walked with us at The Shops at Ithaca Mall.
Group presents check in bookstore. People smile, posing in front of bookshelf.
March 11, 2026
On Tuesday, March 10, 2026, Cops, Kids & Toys was proud to present a check to the Family Reading Partnership in support its important work and to assist with some unforeseen expenses as it continues to serve local children and families. Since 1997, Family Reading Partnership has helped Tompkins County families with young children experience the joy of books and read-aloud time as an everyday part of life. Family Reading Partnership provides programs and materials that encourage parents and caregivers to engage with infants and young children through reading, play, songs, and conversation, all as building blocks for literacy. It works to create a culture of literacy in the community by weaving books and reading encouragement into the networks and services that already reach local families. Their programs are designed especially for families with infants and young children in Tompkins County, helping children connect with books early and often. Their impact is rooted in a simple but powerful idea. When children grow up with books as part of everyday life, families are strengthened and young learners are better prepared to thrive. Family Reading Partnership describes its work as creating a culture of literacy, one book, one family, and one community at a time. Organizations like Family Reading Partnership help make Tompkins County a stronger, more connected community for children. We encourage our supporters to learn more about their work and consider making a donation to help them continue serving local families. Contributions can be made here: https://www.familyreading.org/giving/