KYLE MURPHYStaff Writer

The Tullahoma Fire Department is asking the community to participate in the season of giving with its annual toy drive.

Each year, the fire department holds the toy drive to provide children in need in the community with Christmas presents despite any financial hardships their families may be experiencing.

According to Tullahoma Fire Chief Kenneth Pearson, the fire department has been participating in a toy drive since the 1950s.

“(The fire department) has been doing it since before 1956,” Pearson said. “We don’t know the exact date when they started but it has been going on for quite a few years.”

For Pearson, he’s participated in the toy drive during his tenure with the department, which has been about 26 years.

 “It’s an honor to continue this tradition that has been going on for over half a century,” Pearson said. “It’s really touching to see people and how we are able to bring joy during Christmas time to them.”

Per Pearson, the toy drive sees about 130 to 150 families register for the drive, and provide toys to about 350 to 400 children.

Those interested in registering their children can stop by C.D. Stamps Community Center, located at 810 S. Jackson St., on Friday, Dec. 6, and Saturday, Dec. 7, from 9 to 11 a.m. for both days.

Parents who wish to sign up their children for the toy drive will need to bring proof of residency within the city limits, the birth certificate for each child they wish to sign up. Children up to age 14 can be signed up for the toy drive. No Social Security cards will be accepted during the signups, according to the fire department, but parents must provide the last five digits of their Social Security number.

The fire department will be accepting toy donations from now until Sunday, Dec. 15, and will be accepting cash donations throughout the year. All donations are to be dropped off at Fire Hall 1 at 613 S. Jackson St. The toy distribution will take place on Saturday, Dec. 21, with a time to be announced at a later date.