Tis the season for giving and the Atlanta Police Department's LGBT employee alliance group is getting in the spirit by collecting toys for one of the gayest events of the the year — the annual Toy Party.

APD's LGBT liaisons Patricia Powell and Brian Sharp along with other gay employees, as well as straight allies, will be at Brushstrokes in Midtown at 1510 Piedmont Ave. on Nov. 27 and then at the Toys "R" Us at 1 Buckhead Loop Drive in Buckhead on Dec. 4, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at both locations. The Atlanta Police LGBT employee alliance group was formed this year shortly before Atlanta Pride.

They will be collecting unwrapped toys or gift cards worth $25 or more that will then be delivered to the AmericasMart on Dec. 4 for the 9th annual Toy Party and silent auction.

Some 4,000 people attended last year's Toy Party and donated 4,500 toys and gift cards. The silent auction also raised $37,000. All the proceeds went to a variety of non-profit groups.

“I’m pleased that we’re supporting this very worthwhile cause,” Deputy Chief Renee Propes of the APD’s Community Service Division, where the LGBT liaisons are assigned, said in a prepared statement.

“Our LGBT employees are dedicated not only to serving the community as police officers, but also in helping to make a difference in the lives of those who are less fortunate," said Propes, who is  also the highest ranking openly gay person on the Atlanta police force.

Officer Sharp said he hopes people will donate to give on behalf of the APD to help those less fortunate.

“We hope Atlantans in our community, and the community at-large, will open up their hearts and help us make a strong, meaningful contribution to the Toy Party on behalf of the Atlanta Police Department. This is our small way of helping to make Atlanta a better, and kinder, place to live for all of us," he said in a statement.

Top photo: Atlanta Police LGBT liaisons Senior Patrol Officer Patricia Powell and Officer Brian Sharp. (file)