Good morning, Hopkinton! Welcome to the daily update we call Hopkinton Today — a quick recap of yesterday’s news, highlights of what’s on tap, and a photo of the day.

Toy drive off to strong start this holiday season

Mike Whalen (right) and officer Brennan Grimley pose with the Toys for Tots box in the lobby of the Hopkinton Police Department during last year’s toy drive. PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

The Toys for Tots box has appeared once again at the Hopkinton Police Department, and donations are stacking up.

Mike Whalen, who volunteers to manage the town’s Toys for Tots donations, said he had to put up a second box this year in order to keep things “a little neater.”

He doesn’t mind having to make multiple trips to drop the toys off for sorting. “I’m more than happy to make several trips to start the toys on their journey,” said Whalen.

Run by the United States Marine Corps Reserves, the annual Toys for Tots program provides Christmas gifts to children of low-income families in Hopkinton and other communities in Middlesex and Essex counties.

Whalen, a Marine Corps veteran, has been volunteering for the program for more than a decade. He works with the Police Department to monitor the donation box and keep it in a safe, accessible area.

“It’s a great place to collect gifts because it’s always open,” said Whalen.

As of last week, Whalen had emptied the donation box once already. He anticipates that the pace of donations will increase as Christmas gets closer.

“[Hopkinton residents] are very generous,” Whalen said. “It seems like they outdo themselves every year.”

Donors have until Dec. 15 to drop off new, unwrapped toys. Those looking for more information, including program eligibility, can check out the Toys for Tots website.

Latest News

The judge presiding over former Hopkinton Police Department Deputy Chief John “Jay” Porter’s alleged child rape case granted a request to postpone the start of Porter’s jury trial to May 2025.

This week’s Real Estate Transactions list shows four homes sold, including one for over $2 million.

The Hopkinton Council on Aging is sponsoring another Dementia Friends informational session on Wednesday night at St. John’s Church.

Town meetings tonight include the Select Board (6) and the Historical Commission (7).

Photo of the Day

Work continues Monday on what will become a two-story office building at 87 Hayden Rowe Street.

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR