BUCYRUS — The Christmas spirit of giving instead of receiving was in full swing Saturday during the annual Bucyrus Fire Department Toy Drive.
Firefighter Brett Young said more than 40 vehicles had driven through the station to drop off toys for local children in need.
“We have had a great response,” Young said.
Young said the fire department has been hosting the toy drive for at least a decade to help families in the community.
“This is the second year that we have partnered with the local Red Cross,” Young said. “They keep some of the toys that are donated to give to children throughout the year when there is a fire. Kids that have lost their home are comforted by receiving new toys right away.”
The department works with the staff at Crawford County Job and Family Services to receive information about families that are in need.
“They provide us with the names of families and sizes for winter coats for the kids,” Young said.
Young said the department also works with Bucyrus United Methodist Church to wrap and distribute the toys that are collected.
“We purchase the winter coats at Family Farm and Home at a lower cost, so we can provide as many kids as possible with warm coats,” Young said.
In addition to the toy drive on Saturday morning, firefighters placed donation boxes at several local businesses including Family Dollar, Dollar General, Family Farm and Home, Fireland’s Credit Union, Kroger and People’s Savings and Loan.