Empty Stocking drive begins this weekend

The Winder Fire Deartment and The Barrow County Emergency Service teams are holding their annual Empty Stocking Toy drive again this holiday season.

Firefighters will be at the Barrow Crossing Shopping center this weekend from 10 a.m.-2 p.m to collect new unopened toys for the drive.

“This year the need is going to be high and we want as many people helping out as we can,” said Lieutenant Scott Dakin. “With your help we can make sure that every child in Barrow County will wake up Christmas Day to presents.”

Sparky the Fire Dog and Santa will be joining firefighters in the parking lot in front of Belks for donations and pictures.

Also, the firefighters will be back with Santa and Sparky Dec. 11 to collect more toys in nine different local neighborhoods. Firefighters will be visiting the following neighborhoods at these times:
•Park Place from 8:30-9:15 a.m.

•Windermere from 9:25-9:50 a.m.

•Brighton Point from 9:55-10:15 am

•Paris Pointe from 10:20-10:40 a.m.

•Waverly Place from 10:45-11:05 a.m.

•St. Ives from 11:10-11:40 a.m.

•Chestnut Ridge from 11:50 a.m.-12:35 p.m.

•Overlook from 12:45-1:25 p.m.

•Bellingrath Plantation from 1:30-2:15 p.m.

New toys and cash donations can be given at the Fire station at 90 North Broad Street at any time.