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The Suffolk Sheriff’s Office thanked the public for its support in the “Operation Helping Hands” event.

The event was held at both Suffolk Walmart locations on Dec. 4.

This year, hundreds of citizens helped collect more than 5,000 toys in the eighth annual Operation Helping Hands Toy Drive. There were sports equipment, games, dolls, arts and crafts, bicycles, puzzles, books, cars and trucks just to name a few.

Because of the generous outpouring of support, the Sheriff’s Office was able to provide toys to hundreds of needy families.

“It will make the children’s and families’ holidays so much brighter and happier,” Maj. David Miles said. “Our families are all struggling economically, and to have this generosity of the community bestowed on them is greatly appreciated. We were completely overwhelmed by the generosity from the citizens of Suffolk.”