The Kent Fire Department, Kent Firefighters Local 1747, and the Kent Firefighters Foundation have concluded another successful Toys for Joy program.

The Toys for Joy program provides new toys to local food banks for distribution to families in need. The majority go to the Kent Food Bank, though several other agencies benefit from the program.

This year the Toys for Joy program delivered over 4,000 toys to the Kent Food Bank, helping 2,000 children have a more enjoyable holiday season. The early morning snow and cold weather did not deter volunteers from helping to unload the USF Reddaway truck full of gifts. Santa and Mrs. Claus were also on hand to greet families waiting for the food bank’s services.

Program Coordinator Justin Schauer, who is also a firefighter for the Kent Fire Department RFA, said of the program, “the generosity of the public in donating gifts, the hundreds who came to the wrapping parties, and those that helped us unload the toys at the food bank are what make this a great community to work in.”

The Toys for Joy program would like to thank all of the residents and businesses who participated and made the program a success. The fire department wishes to recognize the following businesses for their continued support:

USF Reddaway Trucking for providing a semi-truck and trailer to store and haul the wrapped gifts.Door to Door Storage of Kent for providing the storage pods.

The Kent Fire Department and its partners look forward to supporting our community when the Toys for Joy program returns in 2014.