Wyoming County Toy Fund Joins Fire Departments to Deliver Holiday Cheer

Holiday charities look different this year because of Coronavirus safety concerns. Some organizations have reimagined holiday toy drives while several events have been canceled. A Wyoming County organization that hasn’t missed a year since 1999 is actually hoping to serve more families this holiday season.

The Wyoming County Toy Fund is partnering with fire departments in 2020 to pass out gifts to the community. The organization serves children 12 years old and younger. Traditionally, organizers and volunteers gather at Wyoming East High School to distribute toys to families with tickets. Tickets are distributed to families identified through the county Department of Health and Human Resources.

This year, organizers wanted to find a way to spread out their distribution in an effort to prevent large crowds. Eight fire departments agreed to help.

Fire departments passing out toys include:

• Mullens

• Pineville

• Oceana

• Cyclone

• Upper Laurel

• Brenton

• Coal Mountain

• Hanover

Toys will be passed out on Saturday, Dec. 12. Social distancing will be monitored. About 30% of families with tickets usually show up, according to organizers. They’re hoping this year, with increased accessibility throughout the county, more families will be able to participate.

For more information email wyomingcountytoyfund@aol.com.