Kent’s Toys for Joy collections start Nov. 23

Published 11:13 am Monday, November 16, 2015

The Kent Regional Fire Authority, Kent Firefighters Local 1747 and the Kent Firefighters Foundation will soon kick off its annual Toys for Joy program.

Firefighters collect new, unwrapped toys that are sorted, wrapped and delivered to local food banks and outreach programs for distribution to needy families in the community. In addition to toys, non-perishable food and monetary donations are also accepted.

Toy collection barrels go out on Monday, Nov. 23 at fire stations.

This year has seen an upturn in the economy, but there are still many families in need. Some families have to dedicate their money to the basics in order to survive and do not have the finances to buy gifts during the holidays.

Toy wrapping parties are scheduled for Dec. 9 and 18 at 6 p.m. and are open to the public. People wrapped more than 6,000 gifts last year.

For more information and to get involved in a wrapping party, call the Toys for Joy Hotline at 253-856-4485 beginning Nov. 23.

Toy collection barrels go out Nov. 23 at:

• Downtown Kent

Station 71, 504 West Crow St.

Centennial Building, 400 W. Gowe St.

• East Hill

Station 72, 25620 140th Ave. S.E.

Station 74, 24611 116th Ave. S.E.

Station 75, 15635 S.E. 272nd St.

Station 77, 20717 132nd Ave. S.E.

• West Hill

Station 73, 25612 Military Rd. S.

• North Kent

Station 76, 20676 72nd Ave. S.

• Covington

Station 78, 17820 S.E. 256th St.

• SeaTac

Station 45, 2929 S. 200th St.

Station 46, 3521 S. 170th St.

Station 47, 3215 S. 152 St.