The Chandler Fire Department has launched its annual toy drive to support local children in need. As part of the effort, the department is accepting donations from community members. The initiative will feature the Holiday Toy Ride event on Dec. 7, from 12 to 6 p.m. at the Chandler Fashion Center, according to the City of Chandler.
Individuals who donate a new, unwrapped toy during the Holiday Toy Ride can take a ride in a fire engine. The event, held in the valet parking area outside the mall’s food court, is open to children aged 6 and under accompanied by an adult. The toy collection continues through Dec. 14, and donations are also accepted during the Tumbleweed Tree Lighting and Parade of Lights on Dec. 6, from 4:30 to 9 p.m.
Chandler Fire Chief Tom Dwiggins highlighted the impact of the annual toy drive in a statement on the City of Chandler’s website. "Our annual toy drive has been a tremendous success over the years. We get to witness the generosity of so many Chandler families and we, in turn, are able to fulfill kid’s dreams of riding in a fire engine," he said in an official announcement. "This event is just another way that our fire department personnel get to partner with the people we serve and together make a difference for those in need."
Donations for the toy drive can be made at the “Stuff the Truck” event, at the Fire Administration Headquarters at 151 E. Boston Street, or at any Chandler Fire station. Battalion Chief Blas Minor, the department’s Public Information Officer, is available to answer questions and can be reached at 480-782-2138, as per the city's release.
