Lakeland Firefighters Kick Off Annual Holiday Toy Drive

LAKELAND, FL — As the jolly old elf from the North Pole prepares for his annual trek around the world, the men and women of the Lakeland Fire Department are pitching in to lend a hand. Firefighters announced the kickoff of their fourth annual holiday toy drive on Monday.

During the drive, which runs Nov. 7 through Dec. 15, firefighters will collect new, unwrapped toys at stations throughout the city. Those toys will go to the Children’s Home Society of Greater Lakeland and the Dream Center of Lakeland for distribution to children in need.

The annual event became a mainstay for firefighters a few years ago. Last year, firefighters collected more than $7,000 in toys before the holidays.

"Out of the many events our department sponsors and participates, this is one we all look forward to every year" Fire Chief Gary Ballard said in a statement about the drive’s kickoff. "The holidays are a time to reflect on our blessings and to give back to those in need. This annual toy drive helps hundreds of children in Lakeland by allowing them to enjoy the holidays by knowing that they are cared for by their community."

Residents who wish to make donations of new, unwrapped toys for the drive may do so at the following fire stations:

• Station 1 – 701 E. Main St.
• Station 2 – 2104 S. Florida Ave.
• Station 3 – 110 W. Bella Vista
• Station 4 – 215 Brunnell Parkway
• Station 5 – 3101 Lakeland Highlands Road
• Station 6 – 5050 State Road 33 N.
• Station 7 – 3150 Drane Field Road

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