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Cape Coral Fire Department toy drive under way

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More than 1,000 children in need are expected to receive a Christmas toy or gift again this year due to the increasing generosity of Cape Coral residents participating in the Cape Coral Fire Department’s annual Toy Drive.

“For more than 20 years, through the participation of our citizens, volunteers and business partners, the Cape Coral Fire Department has been able to provide gifts to these children and make their holiday a little bit brighter,” said Fire Chief Donald Cochran.

From now until Dec. 16, each fire station in the city is collecting toys and gifts for children who have special needs, chronic illnesses, are in foster care, or have families struggling with financial difficulties.

“We work with six charities this year and individuals,” said CCFD spokesperson Andrea Schuch. “The number of individuals has grown a lot in recent years. We collect for a wide variety of ages, from infants to age 18.”

Residents are asked to drop off their unwrapped donations at any city fire station. Between Dec. 22 and 24, the toys either will be delivered to the house on a fire truck or parents can pick up packages at the firehouse to take home. The six charities also distribute the donations to the children they serve.

“We like the bigger toys, but stocking stuffers are acceptable as well as board games that the whole family can enjoy,” said Schuch. “People can go on our website or Facebook page (CapeCoralFD) to see what specific toy requests have been made.”

Schuch suggested that for babies and infants that donors choose learning toys. For elementary age kids, Disney toys and Superhero items. For older kids, store gift cards or items like wallets for boys, makeup and nail polish for girls, any sports related items like balls, and arts and crafts are a big hit for older kids. Gifts for teens often are in short supply so consider donating store gift cards or entertainment items appropriate for this age group.

“Everyone was so generous last year that we tend to give each child one big toy and try to give them two smaller ones, like action figures,” Schuch said. “Stay away from food items because it can get messy. Bikes are a big surprise. We get four to six of them each year to give away.”

Families in need are requested to fill out a qualification application to participate. Contact Schuch by email at aschuch@capecoral.net for an application, or call 239-242-3303.

The Toy Drive, which started working with one charity and a number of individuals, has grown to collecting more than 4,000 items to make it a Merry Christmas for more than 1,000 children in the community.

City fire stations are at: 4610 Coronado Parkway; 701 Nicholas Parkway; 1627 Everest Parkway; 2007 Santa Barbara Boulevard; 1029 Diplomat Parkway; 4540 Chiquita Boulevard; 3942 Burnt Store Road North; 707 SW 1st Street; 4107 Pelican Boulevard; 3623 Gator Circle West.

For more information on specific toy requests visit: www.capecoral.net/fire.