The SLVFD once again hosted our annual Holiday Helpers toy drive on Saturday November 29th from 10 am to 2 pm. The volunteers put up decorations to make the fire house look festive and also took time to greet everyone dropping off toys for the Holiday Helper Program.

Holiday Helpers Co-chairs Dawn Martin and Patti Ploof were also on hand to accept donations, as well as to explain the mission of the organization. Holiday Helpers applications are distributed the first of October and must be submitted by October 31st. Parents chose a clothing article for each of their children, appropriate tags are put out throughout town, and the community buys what is requested.

Donations of toys are accepted from October right through Distribution Day, when parents can browse through the hundreds of toys and carefully select the toys their children would love to have. In addition, they receive hats, mittens, books, games, blankets and sports balls for their children. As they load up their vehicle, a volunteer adds a huge food basket with all the fixings for a Christmas dinner as well as canned goods, boxed goods, eggs, bread, peanut butter and jelly, and so much more to help the family over the Christmas holiday.

This year, as in the past, massive amounts of toys were collected from the community. Holiday Helpers insist the program runs because of the generosity and kindness of our community. Hard to argue with that, as the dozens of people stopping in brought so many donations with them. Collection will continue until December 12th. Donations can be dropped at Best Western or Coakelys.

The SLVFD is proud to be a part of this incredible program that brings so much happiness to area children.