BEREA, Ohio -- This November, the Berea Police Department is trading fines for holiday cheer.

Drivers who receive a parking ticket can skip the fee by donating a new toy -- turning an inconvenient slip on the windshield into a gift for medically fragile children supported by Maryssa’s Mission Foundation.

The Toys for Parking Tickets program began in 2021 when Officer Nick Huskins pitched the idea to Police Chief Dan Clark.

“I took the idea to the mayor for his approval and he loved the idea, and we have been doing it ever since,” Clark said.

“We have had people come in and ask if they can donate a toy without having gotten a parking ticket, so the cause really resonates with people.”

Clark said the program has grown each year, with residents taking pride in finding fun and creative to

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