Kent Toys for Joy collection drive starts Nov. 26

The Kent Fire Department Regional Fire Authority, Kent Firefighters Local 1747, and the Kent Firefighters Foundation are once again sponsoring and supporting the Toys for Joy program.

Kent firefighter Nate Strobel

Kent firefighter Nate Strobel

The Kent Fire Department Regional Fire Authority, Kent Firefighters Local 1747, and the Kent Firefighters Foundation are once again sponsoring and supporting the Toys for Joy program.

Toys for Joy is an annual event where new, unwrapped toys are collected, sorted, wrapped and delivered to the Kent and Covington Food Banks for distribution to needy families in our community. Non-perishable food and monetary donations will also be accepted.

Economically, 2012 has been another tough year for families. Many have to dedicate their money to the basics in order to survive and do not have the finances to buy gifts during the holidays. The Toys for Joy program was created to help these local families.

Toy wrapping parties are scheduled for Dec. 10 and 19, and are open to the public. Last year the public wrapped more than 5,500 gifts.

The Toys for Joy program can only exist with the generous donations and support of local residents and businesses. Over the years, that generosity has been tremendous.

The program organizers would like to thank USF Reddaway for their support and donation of a semi-truck to help store and transport the toys, as well as Door to Door Storage of Kent.

For further information on the Toys for Joy program and to get involved in a wrapping party, call the Toys for Joy Hotline at 253-856-4485.

Toy collection barrels will be at the following locations beginning Nov. 26:

Fire Station 71    504 West Crow St.         Downtown Kent

Fire Station 72    25620 140 Ave. S.E.        East Hill of Kent

Fire Station 73    25612 Military Rd. S.        West Hill of Kent

Fire Station 74    24611 116 Ave. S.E.        East Hill of Kent

Fire Station 75    15635 S.E. 272 St.         Lake Meridian (wrapping party location)

Fire Station 76    20676 72 Ave. S.        North Kent Valley

Fire Station 77    20717 132 Ave. S.E.        East Hill of Kent

Fire Station 78    17820 S.E. 256 St.        Covington

Kent City Hall    220 4 Ave. S.            Downtown Kent


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