Firefighters to collect toys for kids

By CHARITY SMITH

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Firefighters throughout Iron County will be collecting toys and other gifts for area children in need on Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. The collection effort is part of the Iron County Firefighters Association’s Christmas is for Kids campaign.

“Years ago the fire association (Iron County) was looking for a way to give back to the kids and to needy families in the area,” said Stacy Ofstad, treasurer of the association. “We know that when kids lose everything that it’s devastating. So it’s just our way of giving back to the community.”

Items are collected for area children and then given to Iron County Human Services, which distributes them to families in need though its Community Cares program.

Ofstad said the partnership with ICHS works out great.

The ICFA is looking to receive donations of new and unwrapped toys, books, puzzles and games, hunting and fishing items, children’s underwear, gift cards in $10-$25 increments, art and craft supplies, sleds, socks, and pajamas.

Ofstad said they are looking to collect just about anything for kids, but gift cards are great. He said that way Human Services is able to use the gift cards and cash that is collected to purchase items that the kids had specifically asked for.

Gifts can be dropped off at the fire stations in Hurley, Montreal, Mercer, Kimball, Springstead, Upson, and Saxon on Saturday.

“There will be people there at each station. If people want to just honk their horn we’ll come out and collect (the items),” Ofstad said. “We’ll try to do as much limited contact as possible with the public due to COVID-19. We’re trying to have precautions in place.”

Items can also be dropped off at Iron County Community Credit Union and Associated Bank branches in Hurley and Mercer until Dec. 11.