The Monroe Police Department held its annual Stuff the Gazebo toy drive Saturday to benefit the Center for Family Justice.

Donated toys will be given to families in the greater Bridgeport area suffering from domestic, sexual or child abuse.

"Citizens here in Monroe are so generous. They come out every year…with carloads, bags of toys for the kids, and it's such a great effort between the police and the community," says Officer Stacey Cascante.

Officials with the center say since the pandemic, the number of families they serve have increased by one-third.

They say by donating, families have one less thing to worry about.

"Looking at this incredible group of toys and things that are coming in from the Monroe community makes me feel very proud as a Monroe resident," says Debra Greenwood, president and CEO of the Family Justice Center.

People can also drop off toys at the front desk at the Monroe Police Department.