Cops, Kids & Toys began in the early 1980s when two Ithaca City Police officers were moved to provide holiday toys to a few children and families in need. Today, our volunteers come from every law enforcement agency in Tompkins County, the Tompkins County Probation Department, numerous local businesses, and caring community members just like you.

Each year, families share their children’s wish lists, and our volunteers select toys and gifts to match those requests. Thanks to our generous community, we’re often able to fill those wishes with donated toys — but your cash donations play a critical role, too.

Sometimes, we need to purchase gifts to fill in gaps — whether that’s age-appropriate items for older kids, specific requests, or categories we simply don’t receive enough donations for. Your financial support helps us ensure that every child receives something special.

No donation is too small to put a smile on a child’s face. Even a few dollars can help us buy that one missing toy or book to complete a gift bundle.

And if you’d like to make an even greater impact, consider becoming a monthly donor. A small recurring gift helps us plan ahead and reach more children each holiday season.

This Giving Tuesday, please give what you can — every dollar helps us bring joy, dignity, and hope to families across Tompkins County.