From now through Dec. 15, the Cape Coral Fire Department is collecting toys and gifts for local children who have special needs, suffer from chronic illnesses such as cancer, are in foster care, or have families struggling with financial difficulties. Collection boxes for the toy drive are located at all 13 fire stations throughout Cape Coral.<\/p>\n
Members of the community can help make a youngster\u2019s holiday season brighter via an annual toy drive put on by Cape Coral first responders.<\/p>\n
From now through Dec. 15, the Cape Coral Fire Department is collecting toys and gifts for local children who have special needs, suffer from chronic illnesses such as cancer, are in foster care, or have families struggling with financial difficulties.<\/p>\n
Donations for boys and girls of all ages (newborn to 17 years) are needed. Gifts for teens are often in short supply. Organizers asked the community to consider donating gift cards, makeup, body soaps and lotions, perfume or cologne, arts and crafts supplies, sport equipment, or entertainment items for this age group.<\/p>\n
\u201cEach year, the Cape Coral Fire Department collects toys because we see firsthand families in our community who are struggling during the holidays,\u201d said CCFD spokesperson, Andrea Schuch. \u201cMaking sure every child wakes up to something special on Christmas morning is one small way we can spread joy and ease a bit of that burden. It\u2019s a reminder of why we serve \u2014 to support our community not only in emergencies, but in moments of joy and hope as well.\u201d<\/p>\n
Toys will be distributed a few days before the holiday to ensure these children have a warm Christmas morning. Some toys are picked up by parents while others are delivered by firefighters with the fire truck.<\/p>\n
\u201cToys will either be delivered by a fire truck or parents can pick them up a few days before Christmas,\u201d Schuch said. \u201cSome families like their children to be able to see the fire truck and meet the firefighters. Others want to maintain the magic of Santa and have children wake up to presents on Christmas morning.\u201d<\/p>\n
Collection boxes for the toy drive are located at all 13 fire stations throughout Cape Coral:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Station 1 \u2013 4610 Coronado Parkway<\/p>\n
\u2022 Station 2 \u2013 521 Nicholas Parkway<\/p>\n
\u2022 Station 3 \u2013 1627 Everest Parkway<\/p>\n
\u2022 Station 4 \u2013 2007 Santa Barbara Blvd.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Station 5 \u2013 1029 Diplomat Parkway<\/p>\n
\u2022 Station 6 \u2013 4540 Chiquita Parkway<\/p>\n
\u2022 Station 7 \u2013 3942 Burnt Store Road N<\/p>\n
\u2022 Station 8 \u2013 707 SW 1st\u00a0Street<\/p>\n
\u2022 Station 9 \u2013 4107 Pelican Boulevard<\/p>\n
\u2022 Station 10 \u2013 3623 Gator Circle West<\/p>\n
\u2022 Station 11 -1038 Burnt Store Road<\/p>\n
\u2022 Station 12 \u2013 2129 Chiquita Blvd.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Station 13 \u2013 2025 NE 6th Street<\/p>\n
\u00a0There also is a collection box in the lobby of City Hall, 1015 Cultural Park Blvd.<\/p>\n
\u201cDonating a toy is a small gesture that can have a huge impact,\u201d Schuch said. \u201cFor some children, it may be the only gift they receive. Every toy, no matter the size or cost, becomes a message to local families that their neighbors care. It\u2019s a chance to strengthen our community by lifting each other up.\u201d<\/p>\n