A Rockland County police department will begin a nearly 30-year tradition this week.

Officials began collecting all types of toys on Monday for the annual toy drive.

Police say thousands of toys are collected to be donated to less fortunate children.

"There's a lot of people who rely upon us, and if we didn't provide the toys to the children around holiday, they really wouldn't get anything. I think that's why we take it so seriously, because as police officers, we're put in a unique position to see the need that's out there," says Suffern Police Chief Clarke Osborn.

People can drop off new, unwrapped toys at the station until Dec. 20.