BSO, Santa's Helpers Team Up To Deliver Toys For Needy Kids

FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) – For once, a fire truck signaled good news: a wonderful Christmas for hundreds of needy children across Broward County.

Aboard that Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue fire truck was Santa Claus. Santa, his helpers and the Broward Sheriff's Office teamed up to distribute nearly 2,000 toys at the agency's annual holiday toy giveaway Saturday morning.

Each child received a toy from among a room stacked full of bicycles, basketballs, building blocks, games, electronics, dolls and toys for girls and boys of every age.

BSO's school resource deputies picked hundreds of families based on the needs of the children they have met in Broward County's elementary, middle and high schools.

Donations from individuals, businesses and various organizations helped pay for the new toys. The Miami Marlins organizations gave $5,000, and Wal-Mart in Lauderdale Lakes donated about $1,000 worth of merchandise.

Anthony Bingham, son of former BSO Lieutenant Charles Bingham, who died in 2000 after a 31-year-career, continued his father's tradition of playing the role of Santa.

Anyone wishing to make a donation to BSO's holiday toy drive fund can contact BSO Lt. Anthony Demarco at (954) 321-4100.