With Requests Doubled, Vernon Fire Department Issues Urgent Plea For Holiday Gift Donations

VERNON, CT — The Vernon Fire Department needs the help of residents for its annual Toys for Tikes holiday gift program.

The department is facing a 100 percent increase in demand for gifts and now firefighters are scrambling to make sure they can take care of every child.

Last year the department delivered toys to 250 children. This year, it is working to take care of 499 children.

"We are surprised by the dramatic increase in demand this year and are working hard to make sure we have toys for everyone,” Toys for Tikes coordinator Diane Carpenter said. “People are counting on us. And as grateful as we are for the help we have received from the community so far, we need more help to take care of all of these kids.”

Firefighters are making their final push for toys and Carpenter has been purchasing toys to help meet demand. The department is still accepting donations of toys and cash.

Toys will be collected until Friday. The toys are then organized and prepared for distribution to families on Monday night, Dec. 22.

Toy collection boxes are in the following locations: Vernon Town Hall, the Vernon Police Department, the Rockville Public Library, the Vernon Senior Center, Vernon Center Middle School and the five elementary schools, the Vernon Board of Education offices, Suburban Subaru, Rocky’s Ace Hardware, Spare Time, The Pickleball Place, Great Harvest Bread, Little Mark’s BBQ & Grill, American Legion Post No. 14, the Maple Grove Club, Farm Car Care, the French Club, Opportunity Works, West Main Street Barber Shop, ViVO Chiropractic, Vernon Diner, Superior Energy, Pioneer Health Compounding Pharmacy, Evolution Hair Design, Deyly Strength, Big Sky Fitness, Barnett Bodyart, Asymmetry Salon and Barber Shop, and Casey’s Café and Route 83 Auto Center, both in Ellington.

Checks made out to the Vernon Volunteer Firefighters Association can be dropped off at the Vernon
Police Department, 725 Hartford Turnpike, or mailed to P.O. Box 951, Vernon, CT 06066.