KENNEWICK, Wash. — This weekend marked the fifth #JasmineStrong Holiday Toy Drive in Benton and Umatilla counties. Local law enforcement from the region partnered with Walmart Transportation for the two-day toy drive, scheduled from Dec. 2, to Dec. 3.
The Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office invited community members to bring new toys to participating Walmart locations including Pendleton, Hermiston, Richland and Kennewick.
The #JasmineStrong Holiday Toy Drive began after the daughter UCSO detective Ellwood was diagnosed with bone cancer several years ago. Jasmine introduced the idea of starting a toy drive to help other kids fighting similar battles, and the event has grown from just four participating Walmart locations to 17 this year.
According to UCSO, law enforcement will drop donated items at local pediatric centers, regional children’s hospitals and Ronald McDonald Houses.
