The Marion Police Brotherhood wants to make sure that children in need wake up with presents under the tree on Christmas morning. And on Saturday, officers received donations of toys during the group's annual Pizza with Santa.

Held in the Music Hall, more than 100 people arrived for free pizza, a visit with Santa and to drop off donations for the Justice Resource Institute during the event.

“Generous donations from residents has made this our biggest year so far,” said Officer Anthony DiCarlo, the Brotherhood's president. “It’s something we as an organization enjoy doing.”

Officer Alisha Crosby explained that the institute works with foster children who have behavioral and emotional challenges.

“These are kids who are in foster care for a long time and have trouble being adopted,” Crosby said. “There are kids in the program who are three days old to seventeen and a half years old.”

She said the Justice Resource Institute was chosen, in part, because local children will benefit from the toy drive.

The Brotherhood will continue to accept toy donations at the police station until the afternoon of Wednesday, Dec. 9.

At 3:45 p.m. on that day, the toys will be delivered to the Justice Resource Institute.

DiCarlo said the Brotherhood offered thanks to the owners of Marion's Brew Fish Bar & Eatery for donating pizza as well as to Jody Dickerson of the Marion Recreation Department, Police Chief Lincoln Miller and Lt. John Garcia for support.

DiCarlo noted that Marion town employees collected and donated toys, too.