Holiday charity starts in Harlem

The city of Harlem is getting a head start on the holiday charity drives with Christmas in July.

The second annual toy drive that lasts through the month of July, said Kathy Ham, organizer of the event.

"I am just going to try to build us a supply of toys for when we have fires, for needy families who get burned out and to get a jump on our holiday season," Ham said.

The toys will be for the city's fire and police departments to give to children when responding to fires, accidents and other calls.

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Last year's drive was completed in phases up until Christmas to help needy children and families in the area. Last year, the city provided an entire Christmas for four families and helped others throughout the year, Ham said.

"(We started it because of) the need of reaching out to needy children," Ham said.

Anyone can drop off unwrapped toys to Harlem City Hall at 320 North Louisville St. between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Toys can be dropped off to the police station after business hours.

For more information, call Ham at 556-3448.