Looking to donate some last-minute holiday toys? Operation Dalmatian, a nonprofit organization comprising members of the Walden Baptist Church, is currently accepting toy or money donations until Tuesday, December 26. All proceeds go towards local children and families in need of gifts this season.

Jim VanHouten, pastor of the Walden Baptist Church and chaplain of the Walden Fire Department, and Jim Griffin, a past chief of the fire department, founded Operation Dalmatian over 30 years ago after being inspired by the biblical story of the Three Wise Men, who offered gifts to the newly-born Jesus Christ.

“It was this tradition which sparked the idea of ‘Operation Dalmatian.’ This outreach combines the efforts of our churches, our businesses, our schools and the entire community with the Fire and Police Departments of Walden working to provide Christmas gifts for children who might not receive any otherwise,” VanHouten said.
“We have an amazing group of ladies who make it possible. My wife Dawn, my daughter Katherine Bergmann, Patty Williams, Jane Oomen, Sarah Gailie and Donna McGowen are the real structure making this program a success,” he continued, highlighting key members of the group.

Every year, the Walden community joins together during December and donates thousands of toys, which Operation Dalmatian redistributes to children of the Valley Central School District, Wallkill, Pine Bush, Newburgh and other local municipalities. Whether it’s Walden Elementary’s students donating gifts, the fire department’s Walden Explorers hauling in truckloads of presents or the Frances Feely Foundation providing gifts for children with special needs, everyone’s working diligently to ensure happier holidays for those in Montgomery, Crawford and beyond.

Residents can donate gifts or money to the Walden Baptist Church at 38 Bank Street, the Walden Police Department at 1 Municipal Square or the Walden Fire Department at 230 Old Orange Avenue.

If you are a parent or guardian in need of a present for your child, visit the Walden Police Department to fill out an application, call Operation Dalmatian at (845) 401-1213 or call the Walden Baptist Church at (845) 778-5611. From there, you can either pick up the toys at the church or have them delivered.