'911 Toy Drive' in immediate need of new space

PHOENIX (FOX 10) - For toy drives, space is a necessity, and nobody knows that better than W. Steven Martin, founder of the "911 Toy Drive."

But now, Martin and his non-profit operation that builds relationships between officers and children in crisis is compromised.

"We have to move, we have until the end of the month to totally clear this building," he said. "I don't have a place to go."

For the past five years, Rick Champaign of Champaign Logistics has donated his warehouse to the cause after watching a FOX 10 segment on the "911 Toy Drive."

"[He] saw the story and he called me like the next day... 'what can I do to help?'" Martin said. "I said, 'we need a space.'"

But with a new renter coming in, their five-year run has come to an end, and Martin is hoping to find another generous donor, like Rick Champaign.

So what exactly would be the perfect match for a new location?

"Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Apache Junction... that's where we need to go if we're going to keep the volunteer base and 3,500 feet would be more than enough!" Martin said.

If you need more convincing, dozens of law enforcement officers will be on and around your property, providing a safe sense of security and you'll know your generosity is changing the life of a child in crisis.

"When an officer or firefighter goes out to that home and they're down on their hands and knees and dad's in jail or there's a drug issue, and this little child sees a badge and a patch and they go, 'I'm here to help you. Here, I want you to have this toy and I want you to know that I'm your friend and I'll always be there,'" Martin said.

911 Toy Drive
https://www.911toydrive.com/