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 the community. Non-perishable food and monetary donations also will be accepted.
Economically, 2013 has seen improvements over previous years, but there are still many in need. Some families 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 6 p.m. Dec. 6 and 18 and are open to the public. Last year the public wrapped more than 5,500 gifts.
The Toys for Joy program exists with the generous donations of local residents and businesses. Over the years, that generosity has been tremendous, said Kyle Ohashi, fire department spokesman. This year we are hoping for everyone’s continued support.
The program organizers would like to issue a special thank you to 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 more information and to get involved in a wrapping party, call the Toys for Joy Hotline at 253-856-4485.
Toy collection barrels are at the following locations beginning Nov. 20:
• 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
• Centennial Building 400 W. Gowe St. Downtown Kent
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