Lexington Fire Dept. kicks off 96th Annual Toy Program

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Lexington firefighters are once again joining forces for a beloved holiday tradition — the annual Firefighter’s Toy Program, officially underway this week.

This year marks the 96th year of the program, which Mayor Linda Gorton says started during the Great Depression.

“When almost every family was suffering and yet families were able to give to others, so that children could have toys at Christmastime,” said Gorton.

According to Gorton, the program helps provide toys to nearly 3,000 kids in Lexington.

Lt. Chris MacFarlane, with the FOF, says that number can fluctuate depending on the economy and peoples access to the fire department.

Macfarlane says parents have to sign up in order to participate. He says the giveaway day is unlike any other, with the toys being separated by age groups 0 to 12, allowing parents to be able to “Shop” for the toys their kids will like.

“You know the holiday season they get to open up a present that made them super happy,” said MacFarlane. “The parents see that, the child doesn’t know they may not have everything figured out for that year, and so the parent sees happiness.”

He adds that the program also means a great deal to the firefighters as it helps bring them some joy.

“Our firefighters are responding to numerous all the time. Everyone’s worse day, they dial 911. Well those firefighters they have to put all that away and they do a great job at it, but mentally it’s tough. So, the toy program for them, gives them a way for some happy tears.”

Mayor Gorton gave the first present to kick off the program.

Families can begin signing up for the program on Monday, November 10th.

The next event is the Chuck Williams silent auction on December 7th, followed by the giveaway day on December 20th.