Press Release  New Bedford PO II continues a 24-year tradition of providing toys for children of struggling families

New Bedford — The Pandemic has had a huge impact on many holiday traditions. 

However, New Bedford District Court Probation Officer II Michael Borden is determined to not let it affect the children of struggling families in the Bristol County area where he is organizing the 24th Annual Toy Give-Away. 

“We will find a way to make Christmas a happy time for these children,” said Borden who is working with volunteers--he refers to as elves--to deliver the toys to the children, infants to teens, while also following COVID-19 guidelines.

He added, "When COVID hit, we weren't sure how we were going to do this. But, it has worked out really well. We have provided toys for more than 500 children and donated toys to human services agencies."

"The Toy Give-A-Way has helped bring smiles to many children's faces over the years. During this time of COVID-19 and high unemployment, this effort is especially needed. It gives those families, who are struggling financially, one less thing to worry about," said Commissioner Edward J. Dolan. 

Borden extended the Toy Give-Away to children in New Bedford, Swansea, Dighton, Somerset, Freetown, as well as Tiverton and Warren, Rhode Island. He has received donations and assistance from the community. This year, the local police and fire departments conducted a toy challenge and donated toys to the Toy Give-Away, Borden said.

Over the years, he and his elves have wrapped and delivered more than 100,000 toys for children. Among the electronics, toys, and more given away this year are wireless earbuds, Bluetooth speakers, mini-arcade games, seven-inch tablets, make-up, deodorant sets, perfume, nail polish, basketballs, footballs, soccer balls, and remote control cars. V-tech and Fisher Price toys, dinosaurs, bikes, scooters, and arts and crafts sets were also provided to the children. 

He first started the Toy Give-Away when he became a new Probation Officer in Fall River more than two decades ago.

Borden said he was both surprised and saddened by the abject poverty he encountered when making home supervision visits to probationers during the holiday season. Borden found that many of the offenders' children had no toys and lacked the bare necessities.

“When I first started this drive, I found that there were children who did not have a bed to sleep in never mind a toy under a tree,” he said. 

Borden’s toy drive is a year-round proposition. He collects gaming systems, board games, dolls, bikes, and an assortment of the newest toys throughout the year, beginning the first day after Christmas. He stores them in his basement, from floor to ceiling. 

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