Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue is kicking off the holiday season with a parade and a weekend BLACK FRIDAY TOY COLLECTIONÂ to help local children in need.
TMFR firefighters, with support from Walmart, began their toy drive at the Walmart Supercenter, located at 5065 Pyramid Way, in Sparks, on Saturday and Sunday, November 29 and 30, where they collected toy donations from customers of the store for their'Fill the Fire Truck' event.
Following that event, Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue (TMFR), along with the Truckee Meadows Firefighter Foundation and the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Local 2487, will host a holiday parade beginning in the second week of December to collect toys for children in need across the region.
From December 11 through 15, TMFR firefighters will lead the 1st annual Fire Engine Parade, traveling through neighborhoods with a decorated engine and Santa Claus to highlight the toy drive.
Other first responder cars will also join the procession. People can drop off toys directly into a trailer as the parade moves through the area.
Each parade will begin at 6 p.m. and end around 8 p.m., with highlighted routes including:
Thursday, December 11, Sun Valley, starting at Station 45, 5841 Sun Valley Blvd.
Friday, December 12, Spanish Springs, starting at Station 46, 500 Rockwell Blvd.
Saturday, December 13, Cold Springs, starting at Station 42, 3680 Diamond Peak Dr.
Sunday, December 14, South Reno, starting at Station 36, 13500 Thomas Creek Rd.
Monday, December 15, Verdi/Mogul, starting at Station 40, 10201 W 4th St.
After each parade, the engine will return to its station, where homes can drop off unwrapped toys or gift cards and visit with firefighters for hot chocolate until 9 p.m.
The toy drive runs through December 15. People can donate new toys in original packaging at any TMFR station or the fire district’s headquarters at 3663 Barron Way, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Plush toys cannot be accepted.
The campaign encourages gift cards for teens, and monetary donations are also accepted by the Truckee Meadows Firefighter Foundation.
Toys collected will benefit Renown Children’s Hospital, the Ronald McDonald House, and other local charity organizations.
TMFR stations include:
Headquarters, 3663 Barron Way, Reno
Station 32, 1240 East Lake Blvd., Washoe Valley
Station 33, 470 Foothill Road, Reno
Station 36, 13500 Thomas Creek Rd., Reno
Station 37, 3255 Hidden Valley Dr., Reno
Station 39, 4000 Joy Lake Rd., Reno
Station 40, 10201 W 4th St, Mogul
Station 42, 3680 Diamond Peak Dr., Reno
Station 44, 10575 Silver Lake Blvd., Stead
Station 45, 5841 Sun Valley Blvd., Sun Valley
Station 46, 500 Rockwell Blvd., Spanish Springs
