Collection barrels are out around Kent for the annual Toys for Joy program sponsored by the Kent Fire Department Regional Fire Authority, Kent Firefighters Local 1747 and the Kent Firefighters Foundation.

Toys for Joy is an annual event where new, unwrapped toys are collected, sorted, wrapped, and delivered to the Kent Food Bank for distribution to needy families in the community. A portion of the toys will be donated to other local food banks. Non-perishable food also will be accepted for distribution.

Economically, 2010 has been another tough year for families. Many families have to dedicate their money to the basics in order to survive and do not have the finances to buy gifts during the holidays.

Kent firefighters created the Toys for Joy program to help these local families.

The Toys for Joy program can only exist with the generous donations and support of local residents and businesses. Over the years, that generosity has been tremendous. This year, because of the economy, the firefighters need more help than ever before.

Program organizers would like to issue a special thank you to USF Reddaway for its support and donation of trucks to help store and transport the toys.

For further information about the Toys for Joy program and to get involved in a wrapping party, call the Toys for Joy Hotline at 253-856-4485.

Collection barrels for the new, unwrapped toys are at the following locations:

Fire Station 71 – 504 West Crow St., downtown Kent

Fire Station 72 – 25620 140th Ave. S.E., East Hill of Kent

Fire Station 73 – 25612 Military Rd. S., West Hill of Kent

Fire Station 74 – 24611 116th Ave. S.E., East Hill of Kent

Fire Station 75 – 15635 S.E. 272nd St., Lake Meridian (wrapping party location)

Fire Station 76 – 20676 72nd Ave. S., North Kent Valley

Fire Station 77 – 20717 132nd Ave. S.E., East Hill of Kent

Fire Station 78 – 17820 S.E. 256th St., Covington

Kent City Hall – 220 Fourth Ave. S., downtown Kent

Centennial Building – 400 W. Gowe St., downtown Kent