MONROE, Conn. — The Stepney Volunteer Fire Department, the Save Our Stepney Task Force and Awesome Toys & Gifts are teaming up for a Holiday Toy Drive. The toys will be donated to the Monroe Department of Community and Social Services’ Giving Tree program, benefitting Monroe families in need this year.
Last Sunday, over half of the goal of 128 toys was collected and the drive continues again this Sunday, Nov. 23, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Children can touch and climb aboard Stepney Volunteer Fire trucks in Awesome Toys & Gifts parking lot, 464 Main St., meet Frosty the Snowman and play Pokemon games. Families will also have an opportunity to meet firefighters.
The toy store is offering 20 percent discounts for donated gifts in an effort to fill a Stepney fire truck.
“The kids loved seeing the fire trucks and sounding the horn and sirens,” Kari Dyson, whose husband Darren is the Stepney fire chief, said of last Sunday. “I loved seeing the children take fire truck ornaments off of the Christmas tree and shop for a specific age and gender of a child in need, and then place their donation into our pop up Stepney fire truck. It really was a beautiful day.”
Kari Dyson, who is the Stepney Fire Auxiliary president, said the auxiliary, which has been back in action after many years, organized the toy drive.
