The Chandler Fire Department has launched its annual holiday toy drive to support local children in need. The initiative encourages community members to donate new, unwrapped toys that will be distributed to families identified by the Chandler CARE Center and elementary schools within the Chandler Unified School District.
A central event of the drive is the Holiday Toy Ride, scheduled for Sunday, December 7 from noon to 6 p.m. at Chandler Fashion Center. Donors who contribute a toy during this event will have an opportunity to ride in a Chandler Fire engine. Children aged six and under must be accompanied by an adult for the ride. The collection point is located at the valet parking area outside the food court on the south side of the mall.
Chandler firefighters and volunteers will assist with delivering collected toys to the Chandler CARE Center for distribution.
Chandler Fire Chief Tom Dwiggins said, “Our annual toy drive has been a tremendous success over the years. We get to witness the generosity of so many Chandler families and we, in turn, are able to fulfill kid’s dreams of riding in a fire engine. This event is just another way that our fire department personnel get to partner with the people we serve and together make a difference for those in need.”
Additional donation opportunities include “Stuff the Truck” during the Tumbleweed Tree Lighting and Parade of Lights on Saturday, December 6 from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., where donations can be made at a fire engine stationed on Arizona Avenue north of Boston Street.
Toys and gift cards are also being accepted through December 14 at Fire Administration Headquarters located at 151 E. Boston Street or any Chandler Fire station.
