LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Every year, the Fraternal Order of Firefighters collects donations for their annual toy drive. But to help stop the spread of the coronavirus, the toy drive this year will be different.
For the last 90 years, the Lexington Fraternal Order of Firefighters have put together the Firefighter Toy Program to fill the gap for families in need during the holiday season. But this year, the FOF has had to change the way they do the toy drive to stop the coronavirus spread.
"We try to get 600 to 650 to 700 families, however many signup, through three, 1 hour or 1.5 increments. Social distancing and all that kind of stuff just wouldn't be possible. It takes 150-250 volunteers, on top of the 600 plus families we would have here," FOF president, Todd Houston, said.
So they are partnering with the Salvation Army. All toys donated to the FOF will help fulfill wishes in the Angel Tree Program. Houston says last year the program helped over 2,000 kids, and they believe this year, the need will be up, and the donations will be down.
"The hope is that the ones of us that were able to stay working and continued to have normal paychecks come in, can help out for those that didn't," Houston said.
Toys such as dolls, balls, action figures, and games will be accepted for kids from newborn to 17 years old. All toys should be new and unwrapped. Applications for children to receive gifts from the Salvation Army are being accepted through the end of October.
Application Requirements:
- The person applying must be the legal guardian or parent of the child.
- The person applying must have a valid and current ID.
- The person applying must have proof of residence in the form of a lease, utility bill, or mail received from the school district or other government agency.
- The person applying must provide income information.
- The child must be between the ages of birth to 17 years old.
Click here to sign up.
