MONROE, Conn. — Stepney Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary President Kari Dyson called the fire company’s toy drive, which concluded at Awesome Toys & Gifts, 464 Main St., on Sunday, Nov. 23, “a tremendous success.”
“While we didn’t quite reach our goal of 128 toy donations for the Monroe Department of Community and Social Services, we came very close — and, more importantly, the event was filled with joy, community spirit and genuine holiday warmth,” she said. “As a fire company and fire auxiliary, we should be incredibly proud of what we accomplished.”
“Doing an event like this makes me feel so good to help,” said Kathy Doyle, Stepney’s auxiliary vice president. “I met a man who told me he was in foster care until the age of 17. He said he always looks for toy drives to ‘give back,’ as he appreciates how hard life can be for kids in need. He almost made me cry.”
Dyson said moments like this “truly highlight the impact our efforts have on the community.”
Alexis Cornut, an auxiliary member, came up with the idea of placing cones around the fire truck, while Stepney Fire Chief Darren Dyson and his firefighters played holiday music. After shoppers donated inside the toy store, auxiliary members invited families to explore the fire truck in the parking lot.
“Children loved the festive setup, sounding the fire truck siren and visiting Frosty, who added even more holiday magic to the experience,” Kari Dyson said.
She expressed the Stepney Auxiliary and Fire Department’s appreciation for Awesome Toys & Gifts.
“Faviana and Nick were incredibly welcoming and warm — just like their beautiful store, which offered families so many wonderful toy options to donate,” Dyson said. “Their support helped make the event even more successful.”
She said the toy drive reminded everyone why Stepney is such a special community, where generosity, teamwork and compassion shine so brightly.
Last Sunday’s event ended with a group photo taken with the donations in front of the fire truck.
Chief Dyson said, “I’m grateful for the incredible collaboration between the fire company, the auxiliary, the community, and our local partners. Together, we helped make the holidays brighter for children who need it most.”
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