HFD toy drive means happy holiday for families

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- They typically battle flames, but Houston firefighters are working to make sure families have a happy holiday.

HFD put bins around the city for people to donate toys for this drive, and Houston did not disappoint.

About 50 volunteers joined with HFD on some heavy lifting Thursday. They're sorting through thousands of toys donated by the people of Houston.

This toy drive started in the back of Al Bennett's Ford F-150 in 2003 and has exploded.

"To see it grow to this is unbelievable to say the least," he says.

Organizers expect to hand out toys to more than 2,000 families Tuesday.

There are bikes, board games, scooters, and plenty of stuffed animals.

HFD spokesperson Kenyatta Parker says this is a great way for him to serve beyond the fire house.

"Some of these kids, if it wasn't for this, would get nothing. So just to hand them a bag, them walk off and look in the bag just to see what toys they're getting and how they light up is well worth it," Parker shares.

HFD gets a lot of help from corporate sponsors, including Shell. Monica Heredia says giving back is part of the Shell way.

"Especially in this event, we are touching the life of kids," Heredia tells us. "So we are touching the life of a family, and really the life of a community."

The giveaway starts Tuesday morning at 8:00 at the New Light Christian Center (7317 E. Houston Road). Each kid will get three toys, pre-bagged, but once they're gone they're gone. So organizers say get here early.

They anticipate more donations after Tuesday. Anything they get will be donated to shelters and hospitals.