Toy Donation Programs

During the holiday season the Santa Clara County Fire Department works to provide toys to low-income children in many Santa Clara County communities.

As of November 2009, all department fire stations are now accepting donations of new, unwrapped toys and books. Used books in good condition are okay. The donation of educational, creative and sports items is also encouraged.

Contributions can be brought to all Santa Clara County Fire Department Stations. For the location of a fire station in your neighborhood click here or on the specific station listed below.

Since 1984 the Campbell Community Toy Program, based at Sunnyoaks Station, has served low-income children in the Campbell and Los Gatos areas. In addition to toys and books, smoke alarms and dental hygiene supplies will be provided to families in need during the 2009 season. Fire Captain Gary Cocroft coordinates all department holiday toy programs.

Volunteers and off-duty firefighters at Sunnyoaks station selecting from the stacks of donated toys to stuff wish-list bags, December 2002.

People who would like to donate toys, time, or money can contact one of the following agencies, depending upon what area they are located in:

In the Campbell/Los Gatos area (Los Gatos, Redwood, Winchester, Shannon, Quito, Sunnyoaks, Campbell stations and Headquarters):

Sunnyoaks Station

Contributors and recipients can call the Campbell Community Toy Program Hotline number at 408.995.3092. The Hotline provides information in English and Spanish. The Community Toy Program works with the Campbell Chamber of Commerce, local schools and the Campbell/San Jose Lion's Club to provide for local families and children.

In the Los Altos area (El Monte, Los Altos and Loyola stations):

Mountain View Community Service Agency

Allison Hopkins, 650.964.4630

In the Cupertino/Saratoga area (Cupertino, Seven Springs, Monta Vista, West Valley and Saratoga stations):

Red Hat Gift Program

TJ Williams, 408.364.2144

In the Morgan Hill area (El Toro and Dunne Hill stations):

2008 toy drive activities are coordinated with the Marine Corps' Toy-For-Tots program.

Generally, it is the policy of the Campbell Community Toy Program to provide each child an age and gender appropriate gift pack which includes:

• dental hygiene supplies;

• a smoke detector;

• a book, to promote reading;

• a toy, something to play with by themselves;

• a game, something to play with, with others;

• something artistic, to promote creativity;

• an athletic or sports toy, to promote exercise;

• a stuffed animal (the general rule is the smaller the child, the larger the animal.)

All toys are distributed locally, and any excess is given to the US Marine Corps "Toys for Tots" program.