PROVIDED

Members of the community can help make a youngster’s holiday season brighter via an annual toy drive put on by Cape Coral first responders.

From now until Dec. 16, the Cape Coral Fire Department is collecting toys and gifts for local children who have special needs, suffer from chronic illnesses such as cancer, are in foster care, or have families struggling with financial difficulties.

Donations for boys and girls of all ages (newborn to 17 years) are needed. Officials added that gifts for teens are often in short supply. Organizers ask those who wish to take part, to consider donating gift cards, makeup, body soaps and lotions, perfume or cologne, arts and crafts supplies, sport equipment, or entertainment items for this age group.

The toys will be distributed a few days before the holiday, to ensure these children have a warm Christmas morning. Some toys are picked up by parents, and other are delivered by firefighters with the fire truck.

“It is in firefighters’ nature to help the community,” said CCFD spokesperson, Andrea Schuch. “Daily they are out there helping those who need it. This is another avenue in which firefighters provide assistance. It is not all selfless, though, as they relish in the joy the gifts bring to the children and their families.”

Schuch said the department had more requests last year than any previous year.

“Last year, almost 1,100 children received toys and gifts which is the most assistance the Cape Coral Fire Department has ever been able to provide through the toy drive,” said acting Fire Chief Michael Russell. “We are grateful that through the continued support and generosity of the Cape Coral community, we are able to assist our neighbors who need a little help giving their children a happier holiday.”

Collection boxes for the toy drive are located at all 13 fire stations throughout Cape Coral:

• Station 1 – 4610 Coronado Parkway

• Station 2 – 521 Nicholas Parkway

• Station 3 – 1627 Everest Parkway

• Station4 – 2007 Santa Barbara Boulevard

• Station 6 – 4540 Chiquita Parkway

• Station 7 – 3942 Burnt Store Road N

• Station 8 – 707 SW 1st Street

• Station 9 – 4107 Pelican Boulevard

• Station 10 – 3623 Gator Circle West

• Station 11 – 1038 Burnt Store Road

• Station 12 – 2129 Chiquita Boulevard

• Station 13 – 2025 NE 6th Street

There is also a collection box in the lobby of City Hall, at 1015 Cultural Park Boulevard.

For more information on the toy drive, to become a business partner, or to request donations, visit capecoralfire.com/toy-drive.