MONUMENT, COLO. -- The Monument Police Department and Fire Department are taking donations of Christmas toys and gifts now until Dec. 16 for their annual Santa on Patrol.

Police Chief Jacob Shirk, along with Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Department staff, will deliver toys to children of the Tri-Lakes area on Saturday, Dec. 19.

Instead of pulling a sleigh as Rudolf the red-nosed reindeer, Shirk will drive a police car with its red lights and sirens on, followed by fire engines being driven by fire department elves.

Toy donations may be dropped off at either the Monument Police Department, 645 Beacon Lite Road or the Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Department, 18650 Hwy. 105.

For more information or answers to questions, contact Shirk at 719-884-8032.