The West Licking Firefighters Local 3025’s 18th annual toy drive is currently underway.
This year, firefighters are adopting 140 children across 59 families via the Salvation Army for Christmas assistance, Nick Rhodes, West Licking Fire District firefighter/paramedic, said in a Nov. 29 interview.
“It’s just awesome to be a part of,” Rhodes said, adding, “We’re fortunate enough that the Pataskala Lion’s Club has partnered with us, and will provide each family with a Christmas meal, too.”
West Licking Firefighters are currently accepting donations of new, unwrapped toys at its five stations between now and Dec. 21.
Rhodes said the Salvation Army provides a wish-list from each child and firefighters then work to try and see that at least one or two items from each list is fulfilled.
Parents then have an opportunity to shop in a makeshift store set up within the YMCA in Pataskala where a firefighter helps them “shop” for another five gifts.