The Belleville Professional Firefighters Association and Belleville Fire and Emergency Services have officially launched their annual toy drive, kicking off the community-wide initiative to bring joy to local families in need this holiday season.
Residents are encouraged to donate new, unwrapped toys, books and games for children aged 0 to 12 or to contribute monetary donations to the cause. Items required right now include newborn items, items for children aged 9 to 10, as well as new books.
Donations will be accepted beginning this Monday, Nov. 17, at the following locations during regular business hours:
· Belleville Fire Station #1 (60 Bettes St.)
· Belleville Fire Station #2 (72 Moira St. West)
· Participating local businesses, including: Quinte Mall, Belleville Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Benton Fry Ford, Walmart, Canadian Tire, The Dugout, East Hill Family Dentistry, Bardon/Bathworks and Stephen Licence.
Firefighters will also be collecting toys and monetary donations during the Belleville Santa Claus Parade this Sunday, Nov. 16, beginning at 4:30 p.m.
The Firefighter Toy Drive is an annual tradition that has been running since the 1940s, providing gifts to approximately 700 to 800 children in the community each year. Donations are sorted by age and distributed by the Belleville Professional Firefighters Association through the Christmas Sharing Program. For more information, contact the Belleville Professional Firefighters Association at 613-847-7494 or bpfa497benevolence@gmail.com.
“The Firefighter Toy Drive is a long-standing tradition that we are proud to bring back year after year,” said Firefighter Toy Drive Committee Chair Richard Quick. “Each year, we are humbled by the continued generosity from residents and local businesses that makes it all possible. Because of that support, countless children and families in Belleville can experience the joy and magic of the holiday season.”
In addition to the toy drive, Belleville Fire & Emergency Services will be promoting fire safety throughout the season, reminding residents to take simple steps to keep their home and family safe during the holidays.
