WHAT:           The Little Rock Fire Department will bring collected toys to the Arkansas Department of Human Services in a parade that starts at Central Fire Station and ends at DHS headquarters (conference rooms A & B), where they will be greeted by DHS carolers.

WHO:             Little Rock Fire Department, Arkansas Department of Human Services

WHERE:          Central Fire Station

                      624 South Chester St.

                      Little Rock, AR 72201

WHEN:           Beginning at 2:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11 at Central Fire Station and traveling down 7^th Street to the DHS offices at Donaghey Plaza South (7^th and Main).

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  – Santa and his helpers from the Little Rock Fire Department will make a special delivery Friday, Dec. 11, to the Arkansas Department of Human Services, bringing a fire truck of toys and clothing to be given to nearly 175 foster children served by the agency’s Division of Children and Family Services.

“Being involved in our community is a year-round effort, but it is especially important around this time of year,” Fire Capt. Warren Robinson said. “Providing such simple gifts such as a toy, outfit, or even a bike will help keep these children from having such a difficult holiday season. Without the kind acts and contributions of the people in our community, these foster children would have less fortunate Christmas.”

The toy-parade tradition has been going on for 15 years. The Fire Department began this year’s toy drive in November and is encouraging the community that there is still time to contribute. A collection day is scheduled from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at three Wal-Mart locations:

• ·       8800 Baseline Road  
• ·       2700 S. Shackleford Road
• ·       19301 Cantrell Road

Each fire station is participating as well and will be collecting items until Dec. 18. Because the Department of Human Services takes in children till Christmas Eve, the collection window is kept open as long as possible. Toys and clothing for children and teenagers are at the top of the list of needs.

 “We are grateful to have such wonderful partners for this annual toy drive, which brings so much happiness to the foster children we serve statewide,” said said Cecile Blucker, director of the DHS Division of Children and Family Services. “We also thank the community members who open their hearts and make this possible.”

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