At its Dec. 2 meeting the Gadsden City Council accepted several donations intended for police-community engagement and trail patrols.

A council member presented a resolution to accept a donation of about 500–700 new Hot Wheels toy cars from Katie McKenzie and Philip Williams; the toys are intended for officers to give to children encountered during traffic stops. The council voted to accept the donation by voice vote.

Separately, the council authorized the mayor to accept a $4,000 donation from Etowah Cares and another $4,000 donation from Friends of the Falls. Each donation was described by legal staff as intended to purchase a twin hybrid/off-road bicycle for the Gadsden Police Department to use on area trails and at The Falls. Both donations were adopted as resolutions under new business procedures.

Council members who spoke in support noted these are small, targeted contributions intended to improve community interactions and increase patrol presence on trails. Implementation and procurement details were not discussed on the record; departments will carry out purchasing and distribution.

Next steps: the Police Department will receive the donations and proceed with purchasing and putting the equipment and toys into service.