The San José Fire Department, in collaboration with Los Bomberos of Northern California, has announced the continuation of their over thirty-year tradition of brightening the holiday season for children and families in Santa Clara County.
This year’s toy drive, accepting donations through January 7, 2024, invites the community to participate by donating new, unwrapped toys at various locations across San José, including all fire stations, Premier One Credit Unions, the San Jose Municipal Golf Course, Valley Christian Elementary School, and Juan Mario’s Generations Hair Salon.
The department emphasizes that used items cannot be accepted and encourages donors to visit the nearest fire station for their contributions.
As a significant annual event, the toy drive involves several stages, including collection, sorting, and distribution of toys.
The sorting of toys is scheduled from December 11-15, 2023, followed by the distribution on December 16, 2023.
The primary goal is to collect new, unopened toys for families in need, ensuring that every child experiences the joy of the holiday season.
The collection points are strategically placed to encourage widespread community participation.
In conjunction with the ongoing toy collection, the 3rd Annual San Jose Toy Drive event is set to take place at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds – Gate D, on December 15-17, 2023. This event offers both drive-thru and walk-up options for families to receive toys.
It’s important to note that children must be present during toy pickup, and RSVPing does not guarantee a toy, as the distribution is on a first-come, first-served basis.
The event emphasizes the need for equitable distribution, requesting families to attend only one day to allow as many as possible to benefit from the drive.
This initiative is supported by Toys For Tots San Jose, contributing thousands of toys for distribution.
Los Bomberos of Northern California, comprising active and retired San Jose Fire Fighters, is a non-profit organization dedicated to positively impacting the local community.
Their mission extends beyond the holiday toy drive, encompassing charitable acts, educational support, fire recruitment, and bilingual outreach.
By mobilizing resources and volunteers, Los Bomberos strives to create a stronger, more diverse fire service that mirrors the community it serves.
Los Bomberos’ engagement with the community is multifaceted. Their biggest annual event, the holiday toy drive, reaches over 2500 children, demonstrating their significant impact.
Additionally, they support school-aged children with backpacks and school supplies, enhancing their educational goals.
The organization also offers recruitment skill classes to local men and women, fostering interest in the fire service.
Their active participation in local organizations further promotes a united community through various charity and outreach programs.
For over three decades, this initiative has brought joy to thousands of families during the holiday season, exemplifying the power of community involvement and collaboration.
The broad network of collection points, coupled with the large-scale distribution event, ensures that the impact of this drive is felt across Santa Clara County.
The involvement of Los Bomberos, with their extensive community outreach and support programs, adds a deeper layer of significance to this initiative.
Their commitment to enriching the lives of children and families extends beyond the festive season, contributing to the overall well-being and growth of the community.
As we approach the holiday season, the efforts of these organizations serve as a reminder of the importance of giving back and supporting one another.
It highlights the role of community-based organizations in fostering a sense of belonging and hope, particularly in challenging times.
The San José Fire Department and Los Bomberos’ toy drive is a celebration of the spirit of the season and the enduring strength of community bonds.
