New London — Roger Nelson popped the tailgate of his car Saturday in the parking lot of Whaling City Auto Group to reveal a bit of holiday happiness.

City police and firefighters had gathered with their trucks and police cruisers for the annual holiday toy drive, accepting cash donations and new toys to benefit families in need throughout New London. Nelson spent about $600 picking out toys to donate and his trunk was full.

“I always donate to local charities and believe in giving back,” Nelson said.

In a side conversation with New London firefighter Joseph Nott, Nelson passed along his number because his company, M&M Properties, has a three-bedroom apartment for rent. He said he wanted to talk to one of the families displaced by the fire at 39 Truman St. on Wednesday.

One of those families, with three kids ranging in age from 2 to 9, are being put up at a hotel by the Red Cross and have few other options for places to stay during the holidays.

“I’ll see if I can help her out," Nelson said. "Those kids need to be in a place for Christmas.”

Nott said a portion of the day’s proceeds, along with toys collected at a previous toy drive, will be used to provide for the families displaced by the fire and many others in need across the city.

People turned out in decent numbers on Saturday despite the drizzly weather. Vehicles pulled into the parking lot, where they were greeted by smiling police officers and firefighters. Whaling City Auto Group donated $2,500 to the cause and had three truckloads of toys it had collected over the past month to add to the growing toy collection.

Standing near the toys and scribbling notes in a pad was New London Police Officer Deana Nott. Nott started the annual toy drive 21 years ago with her husband, Joe Nott, the firefighter. She grew up in a family where giving back to the community was “just something you did.”

Police and firefighters are in homes across the city throughout the year and Nott said they see firsthand what the needs are. She encourages officers to ask the families if they wouldn't mind some support.

“Most are appreciative. There’s a big need here,” Nott said.

Nott has a list of about 50 families the group effort will benefit this year and knows which toys should make it into which homes. She is also in contact with several social services agencies and the nonprofit Whalers Helping Whalers to join the collaborative effort to reach even more families.

Across the city at the Elks Club on Saturday, Whalers Helping Whalers Chef founder Tomm Johnson was distributing 500 meals for those unable to cook, along with 200 food baskets, diapers, formula and winter jackets. Police and firefighters were among those pitching in to volunteer.

“It's a big community effort,” Deana Nott said.

g.smith@theday.com