This weekend, Nashville families have the opportunity to support a charitable cause while enjoying a unique encounter with some of the city's four-legged law enforcement members. The Nashville Metro Police Department's Mounted Patrol Unit is teaming up with the Nashville Zoo for a toy drive that promises to spread holiday cheer to underprivileged children and their families.
On both Saturday and Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., officers and their horses will be on hand in the zoo's parking lot, ready to collect new, unwrapped toys as part of the department’s annual Christmas Basket Program, which is celebrating its 64th year; an initiative that helps deliver food and toys to needy Nashvillians on Christmas Eve morning. According to the official notice posted on the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, the program aims to reach over 200 families this year, ensuring that hundreds of local men, women, and children can enjoy the festive season with surprise gifts.
In a show of gratitude for the community's generosity, the Nashville Zoo has announced that for every new toy donation, visitors will receive a free admission ticket to the zoo, with a limit of two per family while supplies last. The complimentary tickets acquired through this toy drive can be redeemed during normal zoo hours through November 30, 2026, ensuring that families have plenty of time to plan their visit, as detailed by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department.
The zoo's incentive to donate aligns seamlessly with the seasonal spirit of giving, encouraging the community to come together and participate in this annual tradition of support and solidarity; no zoo admission is required to donate and all toys must be suitable for children 12 and younger. By integrating the charitable act of toy donation with the joyous experience of meeting horses and visiting the zoo, the Mounted Patrol Unit and Nashville Zoo foster a strong bond between the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department and the community they serve.
