MOUNT VERNON — During their fourth annual Christmas for Kids toy drive, Mount Vernon firefighters collected and purchased thousands of toys for children in need to enjoy Christmas morning.
The toys were delivered on fire trucks Tuesday to the waiting arms of volunteers, who sorted and prepared the toys on “Santa tables” inside the First Church of the Nazarene on Coshocton Avenue.
On Wednesday, Interchurch Social Services clients were able to browse through the toys, choosing items they knew matched the wants and interests of their children.
“Almost all of the toys on the Santa tables are provided by the Mount Vernon Fire Department Christmas for Kids program,” said Sandy Daubenspeck from the Mount Vernon Interchurch branch, who was working to sort the toys and coordinate the efforts of several volunteer “elves.”
Daubenspeck said the Santa tables used to contain gently used toys, but, thanks to the MVFD, the families are now able to choose brand new toys for their children. Gift certificates and gift cards are also available for parents to choose for older children and teens.
MVFD Chief Shawn Christy said the department used funds raised in the program to purchase movie tickets for teens, and even included gift certificates for popcorn and a drink.
The department raised close to $3,000 in cash through the donations of local businesses and individuals in the community. The toys filled four pickup trucks. This year, the program served 231 families and approximately 600 children.
“I think this year was even a bigger success than last year, so I’m very excited about the support of the community,” said Christy.
The chief said knowing that parents going through rough times and economic struggles would be able to have the joy of knowing they could put something special under the tree this Christmas, made the firefighters extremely gratified.
