San Carlos FD Toy Drive Today in Bianchini's Parking Lot

[Editor's Note: The following was submitted by Laura Teutschel. If you have an event you'd like to publicize on San Carlos Patch, email the editor at joan.dentler@patch.com.]

By Laura Teutschel

Bianchini’s Market, in partnership with the San Carlos Fire Department, Redwood City Fire Department, the San Carlos Bureau of the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office, and the San Carlos Kiwanis Club, will host the 2nd Annual San Carlos Community Toy Drive on Sat., Dec. 1.

For the past 16 years, the San Carlos Kiwanis Club has held a small Holiday toy
drive in Laurel Street Park and has relied solely on its own members to make it a success. But beginning in 2011, a more collaborative approach was taken.

“We see this as an opportunity to bring together our newly formed public safety agencies and partner with a service club and a business with deep roots in the community,” says San Carlos Sheriff’s Office Bureau Captain Greg Rothaus.

Redwood City Fire Chief Jim Skinner, who oversees the San Carlos Fire Department, said, “we want to ensure San Carlos residents know we are an integral part of this community. We are very proud to return the support that
has been given to us.”

Besides San Carlos families, needy residents county-wide depend on this effort. And in the past decade, the number of county families in need continues to grow.

Kiwanis Toy Drive Chairperson Sandy Abrahamson stated, “ this partnership will further increase our capacity to meet local family needs and will benefit the community in greater ways”.

The San Carlos Community Toy Drive will take place on Sat., Dec.1 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. in front of Bianchini’s Market, 810 Laurel St.

Gifts of unwrapped toys, games, and books will be collected by firefighters and Sheriff’s deputies. Cash donations will also be accepted and collected by the Sheriff’s Dept.

Monies collected will be used to purchase gift cards that will also be donated to local families. Police and fire vehicles will be on hand and children of all ages are welcome!

Food and other goodies will also be available for purchase. The community should also be aware that collection barrels are available through the months of November and December outside each fire station in San Carlos and throughout the county.