You've Still Got Time -- Donate Toys to the Stamford Fire Department Toy Drive

On Saturday, December 20 at 1:30 p.m., members of the Stamford Professional Fire Fighters Association (SPFFA) will depart from the Drill Field at 148 Magee Ave. on an antique fire truck driven by Santa to deliver toys to children across Stamford. Hundreds of toys will be given away to the Franklin Street Shelter, the Salvation Army, the Wilson Food Pantry, pediatric patients at Stamford Hospital and selected families in response to Dear Santa letters.

Toys are still being collected for the SPFFA’s ninth annual Holiday Toy Drive, with about 500 gathered thus far. Last year, over 4,500 toys were collected and delivered to needy children.

Anyone wishing to participate in the toy drive can still drop off a new, unwrapped toy at any Stamford Fire Department firehouse between the hours of 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. any day of the week until December 23. Gift cards, wrapping paper and Scotch tape will also be welcome and used to either purchase or wrap age appropriate toys.

Fire Fighter Donald Lowndes, the organizer of the Stamford Fire Fighters’ toy drive, said, “Every child deserves to have a present during the holidays. Unfortunately, many families in Stamford have the stress of trying to make ends meet, let alone giving gifts. Each year, we try to help out by supplying an abundance of presents and holiday cheer.”

“The same way in which our fire fighters are rewarded by protecting the citizens of Stamford, they are honored to donate to local families in need this holiday season,” said Brendan Keatley, President of the Stamford Professional Fire Fighters Association. “Our fire fighters hope to make this holiday season extra special for boys and girls across Stamford.”

Donations can be dropped off at:

• · Central Fire Station – 629 Main Street
• · South End Fire Station- 215 Washington Blvd.
• · Westside Fire Station- 80 Fairfield Avenue
• · Shippan Fire Station- 364 Shippan Avenue
• · Woodside Fire Station- 1620 Washington Blvd.
• · Glenbrook Fire Station- 17 Arthur Place
• · Engine Company #7- 987 Hope Street (Springdale Station)
• · Engine Company #8- 28 Vine Rd.
• Engine Company #9- 684 Long Ridge Road (Stamford EMS)