By: Matt Weinagrden, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter
As twinkling lights illuminate LaSalle homes and holiday music fills the air, local firefighters are working to ensure every child in the community experiences the magic of Christmas morning. The LaSalle Firefighters Association’s annual Sparky’s Toy Drive, which kicked off in November, has collected new toys, gift cards, and cash donations to help families in need bring joy this holiday season.
“The community really rallied around us and helped make the drive a success,” said Brian Bartlett, of the LaSalle Firefighters Association. “We were able to assist approximately 100 LaSalle families this year.”
Firefighters collect new, unwrapped toys for children of all ages, gift cards, and cash donations. New toys are donated at various locations that have generously agreed to place donation boxes, so the program depends entirely on the generosity of local businesses and individuals to continue operating.
“We want to thank all of the local businesses that stepped up,” said Bartlett. “We couldn’t do it without them.”
Sparky’s Toy Drive LaSalle is run completely by proud volunteers who donate their time to registration, donation pick-up, packaging, and distribution.
