BUCYRUS — Multiple safety service agencies are looking to assist those in need in the local communities during the holiday season.
The Bucyrus Fire Department, the Galion Police Department and Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 71 and the Crestline Police and Fire departments are hosting toy and food drives at their various departments to make the holiday season a little brighter for those in need.
The Bucyrus Fire Department is hosting its toy drive Saturday, Dec. 1 from 9 a.m. to noon at the station on East Mansfield Street.
The firefighters are collecting toys, food, and money during the event. The money will be given to Crawford County Job and Family Services to buy coats, the toys will go to the Bucyrus United Methodist Church to be distributed to the approximately 140 families who have requested assistance from the church and the food will be dispersed to various food pantries in the community.
Those wishing to donate may enter the station from the back entrance of the bays, where drivers will be directed through the station where firefighters will help unload the donations.
The Galion Police Department and FOP No. 71’s Fill the Cruiser, also is Saturday, Dec. 1 and may be found at the Galion Discount Drug Mart from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Items being requested include new toys and non-perishable food items, and coats, hats and gloves of all sizes and types.
Any monetary donations will be used for the department’s Shop with a Cop program, according to GPD Ofc. Steve Knapp.
Knapp said the previous Shop with a Cop had eight kids shop with $200 each at the local Walmart. He said he hopes to increase the number of children and amount of money able to be used.
Items donated to the Fill the Cruiser will be given to local families who have been identified by Galion City Schools and the local Community Action. The items will be delivered by the department on Christmas.
The Crestline Police and Fire departments have teamed up for the Crestline First Responders’ Toy Drive this year.
The departments are looking for toys for boys and girls of all ages.
According to the event’s Facebook page, both departments will have vehicles to take donations in front of their stations and the middle bay of the fire department is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to accept donations.
The event ends Dec. 15.
All proceeds go to local families and any family wishing to sign up for the program may contact either station for more information.