BCFES holding toy drive

The charity event benefits Barrow County children through the Holiday Connection, a service of the Barrow County Family Connections. Donations to the “Empty Stocking Toy Drive” stay in Barrow County and are given to area children in need. Event organizers hope to help several hundred children this year.

BCFES public information officer Lt. Scott Dakin said the current economic state has resulted in a greater need than normal.

“This year we are hoping citizens will give generously,” Dakin said. “With your help we can make sure every child in Barrow County can wake up to presents under the tree on Christmas day.”

This year’s event will be hosted by firefighters with Barrow County Emergency Services and Sparky. Members of the Barrow County Emergency Response Team (CERT) will also participate.

The “Empty Stocking Toy Drive” will be held in the Walmart parking lot on Saturday, Dec. 5 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. and at the Target and Staples parking lot on Saturday, Dec. 12 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Firefighters and other volunteers will be collecting donations of new unwrapped toys as well as monetary donations. Donations may also be made at any Barrow County Fire Station through Dec. 13.