Each year, as the holiday season wraps the city of Lakeland in its festive embrace, the Lakeland Fire Department (LFD) becomes more than a safety net for the community. The department sets out on a mission of generosity. With their annual toy drive, these everyday heroes swap fire hoses for toy boxes, spreading cheer to children and families who need it most.
The fire department’s toy drive is much like tending to a fire—not the destructive kind but the warm, glowing hearth of a home filled with joy and laughter. Their mission is simple: to ensure that every child in Lakeland wakes up on Christmas morning to find a gift waiting for them, no matter their family’s circumstances.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to spread joy to children in our community”, says Frank Wheelwright Jr., firefighter at station 1.
For half a decade, the LFD’s toy drive has been a staple of the holiday season. What began as a small effort among firefighters has grown into a city-wide event. Today, all seven fire stations serve as collection points, making it convenient for residents to contribute their share of holiday magic.
“Over the years, this drive has helped bring joy to hundreds of children and their families, showing them that they’re cared for and supported, especially during the holiday season” – Brooke Allen, LFD Comm. & Pub. Ed. Asst.
The drive has also garnered the support of five prominent community businesses and organizations such as the Dentistry for Children and the Lakeland Harbor Mobile Home Park. These partnerships have become essential to the drive’s success, providing collection sites and additional donations that extend the initiative’s reach.
“The Lakeland Fire Department’s annual toy drive is all about bringing our community together to make a difference. With support from local businesses and all seven of our fire stations, we’ve been able to collect toys for the Dream Center of Lakeland and the Children’s Home Society. Over the years, this drive has helped bring joy to hundreds of children and their families, showing them that they’re cared for and supported, especially during the holiday season,” shared Brooke Allan, LFD Communication and Public Education Assistant who also serves as the assistant coordinator for this years drive.
Participating in the drive is easy. Lakeland residents can drop off new, unwrapped toys at any LFD station until December 9th. Donation locations are as follows:
For more information on how to participate, visit lakelandgov.net/LFD or call (863) 834-8200.