MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
a division of the
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Troop D Headquarters, 3131 East Kearney, Springfield, Missouri, 65803
News Release
For further information please contact:
Trooper Sam Carpenter
(417) 895-6767 x3448
D-11302020
December 1, 2020
EMPHASIS:
14th Annual Corporal John A. "Jay" Sampietro Jr. Toy Drive Kickoff
Captain Justin McCullough, commanding officer of Troop D, Springfield, announces the kickoff of the 14th Annual Corporal John A. "Jay" Sampietro Jr. Toy Drive. This toy drive, in remembrance of Corporal Sampietro, who died in the line of duty in 2005, began on Wednesday, November 25, 2020, and will conclude on Sunday, December 20, 2020.
The toy drive is a cooperative effort between the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, the Children’s Miracle Network of Cox Health, and the citizens we serve. The toy drive is designed to brighten the holiday for children who are forced to spend the Christmas season in the hospital. Troopers will not be able to personally deliver the donated toys this year due to COVID-19. The toys will be collected and dropped off with hospital staff where they can be distributed throughout the holiday season.
Toy donations may be made at the following locations:
Cox South, West Tower Entrance
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3801 S. National Ave, Springfield, MO
MSHP Troop D Headquarters
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3131 E. Kearney Street, Springfield, MO
Springfield Krispy Kreme Doughnuts
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3860 S. Campbell Avenue, Springfield, MO
Anyone who donates a new, unwrapped toy valued at $10 or more will receive a free, dozen original Krispy Kreme glazed doughnuts. Toy needs include coloring/activity books, board games, Hot Wheels, action figures, age appropriate DVD movies, small handheld electronic games, Legos, art supplies, blocks, and infant toys.
CoxHealth also meets the needs of children in the hospital through its Child Life Services, which helps ease anxieties and answer questions for them and their families. While the toy drive caters to the children admitted to CoxHealth Children’s Hospital during the holidays, Child Life Services works to put a smile on both the children’s and their parents’ faces throughout the year. To support Child Life Services as part of the 14
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Annual Corporal John A. “Jay” Sampietro Jr. Toy Drive, please contact Racheal Adegboyega, director of Sponsor Relations, at
Racheal.Adegboyega@coxhealth.com
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“This toy drive has proven to be a great way to honor Cpl. Sampietro's memory,” said Capt. McCullough. “The Patrol is honored to participate and to bring a little bit of joy and happiness to sick children who are in the hospital during the Christmas holidays."
Follow the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop D on Twitter @MSHPTrooperD
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