Lexington firefighters need building for Toy Program

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – The Lexington Fraternal Order of Firefighters needs your help to make the holidays brighter for our city’s kids.

Firefighters are looking for a building to host the 2016 Firefighter’s Toy Program

The 2016 Lexington Fire Department Toy Drive starts next week, and firefighters are in need of a building to use as the “North Pole”, or collection center.

“We need a large building to store and distribute the toys,” said Firefighter Todd Houston, who is in charge of this year’s event. “We would like to have access to the building between October 17 and January 1.” The ideal building would have restrooms, heat, plenty of parking, and be at least 15,000 square feet in size. Designated office space would be helpful, but is not a must-have.

For the past 85 years Lexington’s FOF has organized the event for children in Fayette County. Thanks to donations from the public the program provided Christmas toys to more than 1,000 children in 2015.

“Even though it’s called the Firefighter’s Toy Program, it’s really a community effort,” said Lexington Fire Chief Kristin Chilton. “We couldn’t pull this off without the support and generosity of others.”

If you know of a building that might be suitable, please contact Firefighter Houston at 859-523-9576 or e-mail houstont@lexingtonky.gov.