Jackson Fire Department conducting annual toy drive for the underserved community
Christmas is coming and people are making their lists and checking them twice.
While, many people have no problem fulfilling the lists for their children, friends and family members, some people are wondering how they will make ends meet.
Over the past several years, the Jackson Fire Department and other local sponsors have given back to the community during the Christmas holidays with an annual toy drive to the underserved community.
The annual toy drive helps bring fun and holiday cheer to disadvantaged children in the metro area over the holiday season.
Cleotha Sanders, deputy fire chief at the JFD, said the drive started in 2015 and has progressed into quite an event for the community.
"We wanted to let the community know we care," Sanders said. "Our goal is to participate in a way that brings the needs and resources together to help support our community."
Sanders said JFD hopes to provide gifts to 20 families but the drive will serve more if enough gifts are given.
"Not only do we respond to emergency calls and alerts to bring solutions, but we want to show that we can serve our community in other ways as well," Sanders said. "To see the endless joy on the family's and children's faces is priceless.
"My motto is that no child should wake up on Christmas without two to three gifts."
This year's toy drive got underway Friday and JFD firefighters will be collecting toys from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 7, 9, 14, 16 and 21, from anyone who wants to donate at Walmart, located at 2711 Greenway Drive, Jackson.
Toys of all shapes and sizes are welcome.
Sanders said toys will be distributed to families starting at 9 a.m. on Dec. 22 at the Jackson Fire Department Training Academy on 1240 South Gallatin Street.
For additional information, please contact Cleotha Sanders of JFD at 601-960-0893
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Jackson Fire Department holding annual toy drive for community
