HICKORY, N.C. (WHKY) — The Hickory Police Department is accepting applications and collecting monetary donations and new toys for its 2026 Cops for Tots program.

The program began in the early 1980s by serving approximately 12 families and has expanded over the years. Hickory Police say about 100 children from Hickory and surrounding areas now benefit from the program each year.

The Cops for Tots Wish House will be held December 9 through December 11 from 9 a.m. to noon and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Hickory Police Training Annex, 320 3rd Street SW in Hickory.

Participants are required to pre-register. Applications may be completed online or in person at Hickory Police headquarters. A Spanish-language application is also available.

To participate, an applicant must be the parent or guardian of the child receiving services and present a current government-issued photo ID. A Medicaid card must be presented for each child, although birth certificates are accepted for children under the age of one. Families must live in Catawba, Burke, Alexander or Caldwell counties.

Families receiving services through the Christmas Bureau in 2026 are not eligible for Cops for Tots, and Social Security cards will not be accepted. Children from birth through 13 years old are eligible to receive items through the program.

A collection box for new, unwrapped toys is located in the lobby of the Hickory Police Department at 347 2nd Avenue SW in Hickory. Monetary donations may also be made through PayPal or mailed to Cops for Tots at the Hickory Police Department. Checks should be made payable to “Cops for Tots.”

Police say 100 percent of donations are used to support the department’s Christmas Wish House, children in need or other community childhood programs.

For additional information, call 828-261-2600 extension 2642 or email cops4tots@hickorync.gov.