Forsyth Firefighters Launch Aerial's House Toy Drive

CUMMING, GA — The Forsyth County Fire Department is asking for residents’ help in making the holiday season brighter for children in need.

Firefighters have launched their 15th annual Aerial's House toy-collection drive.

The initiative was started in 2003, after the fire department received several phone calls from local parents asking if the fire department could help them with Christmas. It takes its name from a piece of firefighting equipment — the aerial ladder truck.

Since 2003, the drive has provided not just a single toy, but an entire Christmas, for more than 2,000 local children.

"Each year the fire department personnel look forward to this opportunity to bring a smile to children and it is great to see the community get behind the project every holiday season as well," said fire department Chief Danny Bowman. "Because of the community’s support, the Aerial House’s toy collection has brought countless children a special holiday season over the years."

New, unwrapped toys for local children in need, between newborn and 18 years old, may be dropped off now through Dec. 15 at any Forsyth County fire station, the Fire Department headquarters at 3520 Settingdown Rd., or at any of the county’s four library branches.

Starting in December, donations for Aerial’s House may also be dropped off under the Christmas tree in the lobby of the Forsyth County Administration Building, located at 110 East Main St. in Cumming.

For more information regarding the distribution of toys collected through Aerial’s House, call The Place of Forsyth County at 770-887-1098. For any other questions or to make a large donation, please call firefighter Jeff Lyons at 678-513-5899.

Photo courtesy Forsyth County Fire Department