CUYAHOGA FALLS: Those flashing blue lights in your car’s rearview mirror could spread cheer in Cuyahoga Falls instead of cutting into the holiday shopping budget.
In keeping with a five-year Christmas tradition, Cuyahoga Falls police officers will again issue “toy waivers” instead of a warning or ticket for some minor traffic violations.
Police Chief Tom Pozza said the popular Toys for Tickets program allows motorists a chance to avoid a fine and instead donate a toy to benefit the U.S. Marines’ Toys for Tots campaign.
The waiver invites the driver to donate a new toy at the Falls police station at 2310 Second St.
This is the fifth year for the program started by Mayor Don Robart. Last year, the Marines collected about 200 toys donated by traffic violators and others in the city.
Pozza said the program is not a hiatus from writing tickets. Giving a toy waiver instead of a warning or ticket is up to the officer.
“It’s just for minor traffic offenses,” Pozza said. “If someone runs a red light and nearly broadsides a car, they’re not going to get a waiver.”
The program is voluntary and there is no penalty for declining a toy waiver.
“It’s not like we’ll look them up and come and give them a ticket if they don’t donate,” Pozza said.
The Toys for Tickets program ends Dec. 15.
