The Port Hope Firefighters Association’s Annual Toy and Gift Drive kicked off on Saturday, November 17, 2018 at the Port Hope Fire and Emergency Services – Station 1 on Ontario Street.
The “Fill The Fire Truck” campaign continues until December 15 when all the donations will be picked up by the Salvation Army and delivered throughout Northumberland County.
The idea for the Drive came from Port Hope firefighter (Station 2) Mark Chard.
“It’s a way to give back to the community and to help those people in need over Christmas.”
“We have been affiliated with the Salvation Army for a few years where we were sponsoring families. But instead of just sponsoring one or two families, I approached the Association with the idea of collecting as much as we can.”
The Port Hope firefighters initiated the Santa Claus parade many years ago, and approximately five years ago they started to collect toys along the parade route.
Firefighters will still be collecting toys and gifts along the parade route, but people who wish to help out can also drop off at various other locations.
Chard explains the hardest to get gifts for are teenagers.
“It’s not just babies and young toddlers that need gifts this time of year, it’s all kids up to 16 years old.”
Suggestions could be jewellery or make-up for girls and dvd’s or video games for boys, but gift cards are always a great option.
Along with the firefighters association helping out, there are also drop off locations at Dreamer’s Café at Queen and Walton Street (7 a.m. to 8 p.m.), Port Hope Fire and Emergency Services Station 1 (245 Ontario Street) and at drop box Chard’s home residence at 76 Ward Street.
The Youth In Action Committee is also helping out with the Drive.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
