Each year when people start getting into the holiday spirit, the Violet Township Firehouse at 8700 Refugee Rd. NW begins to resemble Santa’s workshop. Thousands of new, unwrapped toys are strewn throughout the training room while two donated PODS storage units outside overflow with contributions for children of all ages.
The department and Violet Township Firefighters IAFF Local 3558 hope for more of the same for this year’s toy drive, Nov. 15 through Dec. 22. This is the 21st year for the drive, with last year’s event bringing in a record 5,000 toys for needy families in the area.
Lieutenant Gregg Goodwin, who has headed up the efforts for six years, hopes to collect even more items this time around.
“Every year it has gotten bigger, both because we’ve gotten the word out more and because there is more need,” Goodwin says. “We all hear about how the economy is bad, but so far we’ve been fortunate enough to match those who are needy with those who are able and willing to give. We have a community that responds and it’s great to be a part of that.”
The support for the toy drive has come from multiple sources. The firefighters facilitate the program, offering three primary drop-off locations, storing and sorting toys and loading trucks for the seven charitable organizations that correspond with qualifying families. The Pickerington School District provides the firefighters with the broadest help base, encouraging students to get involved through creative fundraisers.
“The local schools not only identify families that need help and get requests from families that need help, they are also our biggest toy raisers. They hold different events and the students get involved and help out in so many ways,” Goodwin says.
Last year alone, students and staff from Harmon Middle School presented the fire department with gifts and gift cards totaling $8,152.44. The money was raised by events such as pajama day, hat day, and knitting and bake sales.
Local businesses also donate promotions, including discounts for those who donate toys, and offer drop-off boxes for added convenience.
In addition to the school system, other entities that help with the toy drive include Maywood Mission in Lancaster; the St. Vincent de Paul Society; Seton Parish Knights of Columbus; Pickerington Christian Church; AMVETS; and the Newark City Police Department.
Goodwin estimates more than 50 percent of the toy donations stay in the Pickerington School District area, while the rest is distributed as necessary throughout Fairfield and Licking counties. He requests only new, unwrapped toys for the effort and items that are geared toward older children and teens are most desired.
“The need is always there for older children. Kids who are 3 to 7 always have tons of toys because they’re easier to buy for. But for older kids, especially teens, we don’t get as much and it’s harder to include them as much then. If you can’t think of anything for them, gift cards really help with this age group,” Goodwin says.
Helping, after all, is the reason the department is committed to continuing the toy drive tradition after so many years, even when it becomes time-consuming or when toys begin to take over the firehouse.
“Last year we had 10 moving trucks worth of toys within a week. It’s a major operation. Through December, any free time these guys have is spent doing something toy drive-related,” Goodwin says. “But they take interest in it. We all have kids and we know what it’s like to see their faces light up on Christmas morning. That’s why we know this is worth it.”
Goodwin suggests giving earlier rather than later, or seeking help earlier rather than later. Every year the station has received phone calls as late as Christmas Eve after the toys have been donated.
“When we get those late calls and we have nothing left, it breaks our hearts,” Goodwin says.
He adds that as long as the need is there, the department will continue to hold this annual event, no matter how big it gets or how many toys take over the station.
“This has evolved into something bigger than I ever dreamed it would be,” Goodwin says. “Tough times fall on everyone and this is a good way for us to help. We are in the business of helping people and this lets us do that in an everyday situation as opposed to an emergency situation. We all take pride in that.”
Alicia Kelso is a contributing editor for Pickerington Magazine.
For more information about the Violet Township Fire Department’s Annual Toy Drive, e-mail or call the firehouse at 614-837-4123.
If you need help this holiday season, contact the Maywood Mission at 740-653-4458.
FYI
New, unwrapped toys for needy families can be dropped off at participating businesses as well as one of three Violet Township firehouses:
Station 592
8700 Refugee Rd. NW, Pickerington, 614-837-4123
Station 591
21 Lockville Rd., Pickerington, 614-837-4125
Station 593
2365 Taylor Park Dr., Reynoldsburg, 614-863-9825