Sacramento Firefighters Organize Toy Brigade to Benefit Kids

November 6, 2009

Sacramento-area firefighters are joining forces to bring holiday cheer to children in our community with the Firefighters Toy Brigade, an event to benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children — Northern California. The firefighters kicked off their second annual Firefighters Toy Brigade at a press conference at Shriners Hospitals for Children — Northern California on Friday, Nov. 6.

“We are asking the public to drop off new, unwrapped toys for children of all ages – from infants to teens - at any local fire station participating in the Toy Brigade,” said Captain Jim Doucette of the Sacramento Fire Department and chief organizer of the Toy Brigade. “Individuals can place donations in the Firefighters Toy Brigade barrels located at all participating fire stations and community organizations.”

Joining the Sacramento Fire Department are Sacramento Metro Fire, The West Sacramento Fire Department, Roseville Fire Department, the Superior Court of California - County of Sacramento and other participating organizations listed on the website www.firereserves.org .

“Every year firefighters make a holiday visit to the Sacramento Shriners Hospital, and we will deliver the toys at that time,” Doucette added. This year, firefighters will visit kids at Shriners Hospitals for Children — Northern California on Dec. 17.

Supported by private donations, Shriners Hospitals for Children provides medical care without financial obligation to children with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries and cleft lip and palate. Since opening in 1997, the Shriners Hospitals for Children  — Northern California has grown to become the busiest pediatric burn center in the Western United States.