Houston Firefighters Continue Tradition of Holiday Giving with Annual Toy Drive

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Houston Firefighters Continue Tradition of Holiday Giving with Annual Toy Drive
HOUSTON, TX – The Houston Fire Department kicked off its annual toy giveaway for Houston area children on November 4, 2022, with a kick-off event at Houston Fire Station 8.  For the next few weeks Houston Firefighters will work alongside with the community and corporate sponsors to collect and distribute toys and gifts to families in need.

“As our community continues to recover from the economic impacts of the last two years, many families within our area are still struggling. The most joyous time of the year is quickly approaching, but it can be the most stressful time of the year for some families. The Houston Fire Department is excited to announce that our annual toy drive, Operation Stocking Stuffer, will be kicked off November 4th. Working with our title sponsor Shell, and other incredible partners and contributors, our goal is to bring holiday joy to thousands of families who otherwise might not be able to purchase toys this holiday season. It is widely known that Houstonians are some of the most generous people anywhere, and we would like to call upon them to help us spread Christmas cheer to those less fortunate by donating to Operation Stocking Stuffer,” said Fire Chief Sam Peña.

The toys collected will be distributed on December 17, 2022.  The drive through event will begin at 9 a.m. at Dick Graves Park, located at 2000 Reed Road Houston Texas 77051. This year’s toy drive will not require registration and will operate on a first come, first serve format.

For many years now, HFD along with businesses and community volunteers have worked together for one of the largest holiday toy drives in the City of Houston.

“Shell has a long history of partnering with communities to enrich the lives of our neighbors,” says Frazier Wilson, Director Workforce Development and Diversity Outreach, Shell USA, Inc..  “Our nineth year as title sponsor of Operation Stocking Stuffer continues our commitment to strengthening the bond between Shell and the Houston community.  Please join us in supporting this holiday tradition of creating positive memories for children and demonstrating our generosity, which brings true meaning to the season,”  said Frazier Wilson.

The history of this toy drive dates back to a Houston school teacher, Lorugene Young, and her legacy continues to live on. This year, our goal is higher than ever. In 2021 Operation Stocking Stuffer provided toys and gifts to more than 7,000 families but there are still more families in need. That’s why our goal in 2022 is to assist between 7,000-10,000 families (up to 30,000 children)! We can reach that goal with help from the community and our generous sponsors, like our presenting sponsor, Shell Houston, Amegy Bank, Target, Go Minis, Latham & Watkins, and so many more!

“Amegy Bank’s dedication to the Houston community is why we are proud to support the Houston Fire Department’s Annual Operation Stocking Stuffer for the second consecutive year,” said Amegy Bank Regional President of Houston Dave Stevenson. “The Fire Department needed a safe place to house and organize toys for over 7,000 families across the city, and our Amegy on Main building was a perfect match for the Annual Operation Stocking Stuffer. Amegy’s support helps the Houston Fire Department bring joy to thousands of Houston families and children in need this holiday season. We are honored to join the Houston Fire Department in spreading holiday cheer for this community effort,” said Dave Stevenson President of Amegy Bank Houston.

Go Minis of Houston is locally owned and has been proudly servicing the Houston area for 17 years.

“Over those 17 years Go Minis has enjoyed serving those in need, in and throughout the community.  Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Laura, Fifth Ward Community Redevelopment, Build Aid Houston, Sheldon ISD, Harris County Assistance & Recovery Program, and Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo are just some of the places and events where Go Minis of Houston has been able to serve its community,” said Karla Morrison, Go Minis.

For more information on how you can donate to this year’s toy drive, and additional details please visit www.osstoydrive.com