Once a special investigator for domestic violence, Amy Jarboe has a soft spot in her heart for children.

So when the King County Sheriff’s department transferred her out of Sammamish, she continued her annual Sammamish Police project to collect hundreds of toys for children in need.

With help from the community, the station was piled high with toys for the sixth year in a row. The officers filled a moving pod, donated courtesy of PODS.

The toys went to support the Toys for Tots program, run by the U.S. Marines.

“I have a spot in my heart for the kids. I think Christmas gifts are a great way to show that people care for them,” Jarboe said.

She started the project while working at the Sammamish office and realized City Hall would make a great drop off site for the community.

She was the first officer selected for the sheriff’s domestic violence intervention unit about 12 years ago.

Two years ago the unit was dismantled for budget reasons, and this June she was sent into North Bend to help with patrols.

Her heart, she said, is still in Sammamish. She was pleased to see people’s generosity continue.

“Times are tough out there. Money is tight, and they’re really, really giving,” she said. “There is going to be a lot of happy kids come Christmas morning.”