Lexington Firefighter's Toy Program now accepting donations
By Clay Wallace
November 3, 2025 at 2:46 PM EST
They’re bundled up in warm coats, they jingle when they walk, and they’re helping put gifts under the tree this holiday season... It's the Lexington Fire Department's 96th annual toy drive.
New, unwrapped toys for children ages 0-12 can be brought to any of Lexington’s 24 fire stations to be distributed by the Lexington Fire Department to families in need this holiday season.
Lieutenant Chris MacFarlane said participating is quick and easy.
"We have a special Herbie that will be out in front of each station," said MacFarlane. "This was so that our toys would stay clean and dry."
The bins are hard to miss: they’re blue, with a large red sign reading “NEW UNWRAPPED TOY DROP OFF.”
The fire departments are collecting more than just toys. Macfarlane says each station is also a collection point for the Lexington Big Give Food Drive, and stations 15 and 21 - the stations by Shillito Park and off Maple Leaf Drive, respectively - are drop off points for the Believing in Forever coat drive, accepting all sizes of coats for people of all ages.
"We hope that everyone will turn that into one of their family traditions: to go buy a new coat, a new toy, get some canned foods," said MacFarlane. "Everyone in Lexington wins at that point."
This is the Firefighter Toy Program’s 96th year. Mayor Linda Gorton said it's outlasted recessions, booms, busts, and pandemics.
"It started during the Great Depression, if you can imagine that, when almost every family was suffering," said Gorton. "And yet, families were able to give to others so that children could have toys at Christmas time."
Last year, the program provided toys for over 3,000 children. Sign-ups to receive a toy for your child open Monday, November 10th and remain open through the week. To be eligible, parents must provide:
Gifts will be distributed at a giveaway day Saturday, December 20th. You must be registered and bring an acceptance letter to receive a toy.
Lieutenant Chris MacFarlane said participating is quick and easy.
"We have a special Herbie that will be out in front of each station," said MacFarlane. "This was so that our toys would stay clean and dry."
The bins are hard to miss: they’re blue, with a large red sign reading “NEW UNWRAPPED TOY DROP OFF.”
The fire departments are collecting more than just toys. Macfarlane says each station is also a collection point for the Lexington Big Give Food Drive, and stations 15 and 21 - the stations by Shillito Park and off Maple Leaf Drive, respectively - are drop off points for the Believing in Forever coat drive, accepting all sizes of coats for people of all ages.
"We hope that everyone will turn that into one of their family traditions: to go buy a new coat, a new toy, get some canned foods," said MacFarlane. "Everyone in Lexington wins at that point."
This is the Firefighter Toy Program’s 96th year. Mayor Linda Gorton said it's outlasted recessions, booms, busts, and pandemics.
"It started during the Great Depression, if you can imagine that, when almost every family was suffering," said Gorton. "And yet, families were able to give to others so that children could have toys at Christmas time."
Last year, the program provided toys for over 3,000 children. Sign-ups to receive a toy for your child open Monday, November 10th and remain open through the week. To be eligible, parents must provide:
- a current and valid ID
- a utility bill (Lexserve, KU, or water bill) or lease with the same address as shown on the ID
- Birth Certificates or guardianship papers for each child (not Social Security cards)
Gifts will be distributed at a giveaway day Saturday, December 20th. You must be registered and bring an acceptance letter to receive a toy.