The Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority, Kent Firefighters Local 1747 and the Kent Firefighters Foundation announce the 2018 kick-off of the Toys for Joy program and a new program to Puget Sound Fire, the Jerry Woods Holiday Engine – a longtime Maple Valley tradition.

Toys for Joy is an annual event where new, unwrapped toys are collected, sorted, wrapped, and delivered to local food banks and outreach programs for distribution to needy families in our community. In addition to toys, non-perishable food and monetary donations are also accepted.

Community members who wish to donate can drop off toys for children up to 12 years of age at any SeaTac, Kent, Covington, or Maple Valley area fire station.

We will be hosting two gift wrapping parties to prepare the gifts for delivery to local food banks. The parties are scheduled for Dec. 10 and 18. Both begin at 6 p.m. and are open to the public.

The parties will be at Fire Station 75 (15635 SE 272 Street Kent, Washington).

The Ferry Woods Holiday Engine will be visiting neighborhoods in Maple Valley and Covington beginning Nov. 30, collecting food and gifts that will go to the Maple Valley Food Bank for distribution.

The Toys for Joy and Holiday Engine programs can only exist with the generous donations of local residents and businesses. Over the years, that generosity has been tremendous. This year we are hoping for everyone’s continued support.

The public can call 253-856-4485 for more information on the Toys for Joy program and go to www.holidayengine.org for more on the Holiday Engine schedule.