Vernon Firefighters Gearing Up For Holiday Toy Drive

VERNON, CT — The Vernon Fire Department is gearing up for one of the biggest charitable events of the year — the holiday Toys for Tykes drive.

The program is designed to get holiday gifts to local economically disadvantaged families.

Registration for Toys for Tikes begins on Monday, Nov. 9.

Toy collection bins will be also at local businesses on Monday, Nov. 9.

Last year, the fire department experienced a 100 percent increase in requests for gifts with 499 children. The number was 250 in 2024.

Donated toys are then organized and prepared for distribution to families a couple of days before Christmas.

Traditionally, toy collection boxes have been in the following locations: Vernon Town Hall, the Vernon Police Department, the Rockville Public Library, the Vernon Senior Center, Vernon Center Middle School and the five elementary schools, the Vernon Board of Education offices, Suburban Subaru, Rocky’s Ace Hardware, Spare Time, The Pickleball Place, Great Harvest Bread, Little Mark’s BBQ & Grill, American Legion Post No. 14, the Maple Grove Club, Farm Car Care, the French Club, Opportunity Works, West Main Street Barber Shop, ViVO Chiropractic, Vernon Diner, Superior Energy, Pioneer Health Compounding Pharmacy, Evolution Hair Design, Deyly Strength, Big Sky Fitness, Barnett Bodyart, Asymmetry Salon and Barber Shop, and Casey’s Café and Route 83 Auto Center, both in Ellington.

Checks made out to the Vernon Volunteer Firefighters Association can be dropped off at the Vernon Police Department, 725 Hartford Turnpike, or mailed to P.O. Box 951, Vernon, CT 06066.