Toy Drive 2020
The Toy Drive Must Go On!
Despite several events being canceled in 2020, due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the Lakeland Fire Department is excited to announce that the department’s annual holiday toy drive will continue for its eighth year in a row! The toy drive will kick-off Monday, November 16, 2020 and will run through Wednesday, December 16, 2020. Community members are welcomed to drop off a new, unwrapped toy at any of the department’s seven fire stations or its Fire Administration building.
The toy drive will be carried out with special attention to ensure everyone’s safety. LFD asks that when dropping off a toy, please always wear a mask, maintain social distancing, and keep the length of your visit to only dropping the item(s) off to avoid an increased risk for both the community and the department’s firefighters. All the toys will be sanitized before they are delivered to children.
The toy drive will benefit the Children's Home Society of Florida and the Dream Center of Lakeland, who will distribute the collected gifts to Lakeland's children in need through their established networks. The event has been very successful every year thanks to the generous donations by community members and firefighters.
“Out of the many events our department sponsors and participates, this is one we all look forward to every year” shares Fire Chief Doug Riley. “The holidays are a time to reflect on our blessings and to give back to those in need. This year we know some are struggling more than usual, which is why we knew we had to find a way for this event to continue. This annual toy drive helps hundreds of children in Lakeland by allowing them to enjoy the holidays with a toy provided especially for them.”
Locations and more information can be found here or by calling (863) 834-8200.
View photos from previous toy drives: