Update 12/20/25:
TMFR crew members got together to decorate a fire truck and fill it with the toys that have been collected during its toy drive.
In the afternoon, TMFR will deliver the toys to children at local organizations like the Ronald McDonald House and the Renown Children's Hospital.
Original Story 11/30/25:
Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue (TMFR) is taking donations for its annual toy drive.
The Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue is holding a toy drive.
One of their paramedic engineers said it all started last year with his daughter.
"She has a rare genetic condition. With that comes stays at the Ronald McDonald house and in the hospital," said Tony Schiro with TMFR.
Schiro said he would often take his daughter across the country for treatments. There, he got inspired.
"We had an event in Delaware that kind of made a huge impact on me personally," he said.
He wanted to help give back to the Truckee Meadows community, so he helped start the TMFR Toy Drive last year. He said it was a great success.
"We're still extremely grateful for the community support, and we're hoping to go even bigger this year," Schiro said.
The toy drive benefits Renown Children's Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House, as well as other local charities. Donations can be made at any TMFR station or at one of its upcoming parades.
"We're going to have this [fire] engine. It's going to have a bunch of lights on, and we're going to be blasting music, spreading holiday cheer," Schiro said.
Other first responder vehicles will also parade through local communities to bring awareness to the toy drive. Each parade will have a trailer for you to put donations in.
The first parade is on Thursday, December 11th, in Sun Valley, and they will continue from the 12th to the 15th in Spanish Springs, Cold Springs, South Reno, and Verdi/Mogul, respectively. All parades start at 6 p.m. and end around 8 p.m. You can also stop by the nearest station after each parade for hot chocolate and pictures with Santa Claus.
"Even if you're not along the route, come out and spread some holiday cheer with us," Schiro said.
You can donate cash, gift cards, or toys in their original package - except for plush toys - at the following locations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.:
- TMFR 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
