To learn more about the San Francisco Firefighters Toy Program see the following news articles at the following web links...
http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=be53423864584f9d983670127ff83c7e
Taken from web link:
http://www.sfrichmondreview.com/archives/richmondreview/2008Editions/Dec08/Roundup.html
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Local firefighters collect toys for kids
While the financial forecast seems bleak this holiday season, San Francisco firefighters are trying to round up as many toys as possible to brighten the spirits of boys and girls who might otherwise have little.
Capt. John Hanley, president of San Francisco Firefighters Union Local 798, which oversees the annual toy collection program, said firefighters have been collecting toys for more than 50 years.
Hanley praised the generosity of San Franciscans.
"People are good about donating. In fact, they are excellent," he said. But Hanley is worried that with the advent of the Wall Street crisis there will not be enough donations to meet the demand.
According to Charity Navigator, the nation's largest and most-utilized evaluator of charities, Americans continue to give.
According to official philanthropic reports, donations last year increased by one percent across the nation.
Richmond District and surrounding neighborhood Fire stations, including Station 10, at 655 Presidio Ave., Station 14, at 551 26th Ave., and Station 31, at 441 12th Ave., are receiving donations and accepting applications from needy families to receive toys.
Based upon last year's needs, Hanley estimates the number of families applying for toys will increase.
"We are anticipating a 20 percent increase above the amount from last year," he said.
"Last year we collected enough toys to give to 10,000 families in the City," Hanley said. "No one is denied."
Donations of money and toys are graciously accepted at any fire station in the City right up to Christmas eve. Donations to the toy collection program are accepted all year-long.
For more information, contact the SF Firefighters Toy Program at (415) 777-0440.
- Jonathan Farrell read more