The California Highway Patrol’s Newhall Explorer program is hosting a stuffed toy drive for the Michael Hoefflin Foundation for Children’s Cancer.

They began collecting toys at their headquarters on The Old Road on Monday, March 25, until Wednesday, April 17. Only new stuffed toys (roughly the size of a Beanie Baby or Beanie Buddy) will be accepted.

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Now in its second year, the toy drive was started by Explorer and College of the Canyons graduate Alexis Briano. After attending a Michael Hoefflin gala in 2011, Briano began looking for ways to help them reach kids with cancer.

Last year, the Newhall Explorers hoped to collect 300 bears. Community support was overwhelming, and they donated 600 bears to Michael Hoefflin to be distributed as part of Kare Kits, which are full of practical supplies and gifts for families of children recently diagnosed with cancer.

The CHP Explorer program gives young adults ages 15-21 the opportunity to experience a career in law enforcement while working alongside officers. Students interested in participating must have at least a 2.0 GPA and have no drug or felony convictions.

For more information about how to get involved with the Explorers, click here. To learn more about Michael Hoefflin, visit their website.

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• Article: CHP Newhall Explorer Program Collects Toys For Michael Hoefflin Foundation
• Source: Santa Clarita News
• Author: Allison Pari