FREDERICKTOWN — “The need is up significantly this year and, unfortunately, the amount of toys we’ve collected is down,” said Fredericktown Firefighter Shane Smith. Smith, along with his wife, Bernadette, heads the annual Fredericktown Firefighter’s Toy Drive.

“We are really hoping the community which has always supported us in a big way, will come through for the children again this year,” Smith said.

He said that last year the toy drive provided a merrier Christmas for 99 children in need. This year, 150 children are registered with Interchurch Social Services in Fredericktown, all wishing for a new toy under the tree this year.

According to Smith, many families have fallen on hard times recently, and have requested help through Interchurch for the first time this year.

New toys and cash donations can still be dropped off with any Fredericktown firefighter or at the firehouse on Columbus Road today and Friday. The firefighters will use the cash donated to shop for toys on Friday.

Bernadette said toys for children ages 5 through 10 for boys and girls are especially needed. Cash donations are also down this year from past drives, and the Smiths hope to raise more money in the final days of the drive to be able to purchase enough toys for every child on the list.

“We know our community always steps up when needed, and this year, kids need their help more than ever,” Shane said.