The Belleville Professional Firefighters Toy Drive is still accepting donations.
The toy drive runs through December 24.
The annual event provides toys to as many as 1,500 children in the local community each year.
Donations of toys, games and more are sorted and boxed by age groups, and then distributed through the Christmas Sharing Program to families in need.
Right now, items requested include newborn items, toys/games/books for children aged nine to ten, as well as new and used books.
Donations can be dropped off any time at Belleville Fire Station #1 on Bettes Street or Station #2 on Moira Street West or at the Bayview and Quinte malls during regular business hours.
In addition to distributing donations, Belleville Fire will also be chatting with residents who stop by the toy drive about fire safety during the holiday season, and handing out free combination carbon monoxide and smoke alarms to eligible residents.
Enbridge Gas donated 240 alarms to Belleville through their Project Zero campaign – a public education program aimed at reducing residential fire and carbon monoxide deaths to zero.
“As we enter the holiday season and the risk of house fires increases, we want to make sure that all residents have access to the necessary tools to keep themselves and their homes safe,” said Director of Belleville Fire and Emergency Services and Fire Chief Monique Belair. “Ensuring you have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors at home is one of the best ways you can protect yourself and your family. We hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday season, and look forward to speaking more with members of the community about fire safety over the next few weeks.”
