KYLE MURPHYStaff Writer

The season of giving has begun and the Tullahoma Fire Department is asking to join in on giving to others 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 a part of the toy drive for several decades, noting that the department has been doing the toy drive since before 1956.

The toy drive sees about 130 to 150 families register for the drive, and provides toys to about 350 to 400 children.

“We are grateful for your support in making this Christmas special for the children in our community this year,” fire department officials said.

Those interested in registering their children can stop by D.W. Wilson Center, located at 501 N. Collins St., on Friday, Dec. 5, and Saturday, Dec. 6, 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 (e.g., TUA bill, picture I.D., etc.), and 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, and parents must provide the last five digits of their Social Security number.

The fire department will also be accepting toy and cash donations from now until Sunday, Dec. 15, and will be accepting cash donations starting Monday, Dec. 1. All donations are to be dropped off at either Fire Hall 1 at 613 S. Jackson St. or Fire Station 2 at 1801 Ovoca Road. The toy distribution will take place on Monday, Dec. 22, with a time to be announced at a later date.