posted on: 12/1/2019; updated: 12/17/2019

The leaves have fallen, the weather is much colder, the days are getting shorter and that means the 2019 Dover Fire Toy Bank has started planning for their annual toy bank.

The Dover Fire Toy Bank has been coordinated by current and retired members of the Dover Fire & Rescue for more than 40 years. The Toy Bank started out all those years ago helping a dozen families in the city, it has now grown to helping over 350 families. While Christmas typically conjures up visions of Santa and toys, the Toy Bank also provides educational aids, warm clothing, and boots to many children in Dover.

Games and toys are fun; but this year as in the recent past, the Dover Toy Bank is also anticipating an increased need for the fundamentals for many Dover families.

The Dover community - area businesses, seniors, families, school groups, civic groups and others have been very supportive and generous in the past. Donations of toys, games, clothing, personal hygiene items, gift certificates, and monetary donations have enabled us to help those less fortunate. The Toy Bank would not be successful without continued help from the community.

Dover Fire Toy Bank seeking donations

posted on: 12/1/2019; updated: 12/17/2019

The leaves have fallen, the weather is much colder, the days are getting shorter and that means the 2019 Dover Fire Toy Bank has started planning for their annual toy bank.

The Dover Fire Toy Bank has been coordinated by current and retired members of the Dover Fire & Rescue for more than 40 years. The Toy Bank started out all those years ago helping a dozen families in the city, it has now grown to helping over 350 families. While Christmas typically conjures up visions of Santa and toys, the Toy Bank also provides educational aids, warm clothing, and boots to many children in Dover.

Games and toys are fun; but this year as in the recent past, the Dover Toy Bank is also anticipating an increased need for the fundamentals for many Dover families.

The Dover community - area businesses, seniors, families, school groups, civic groups and others have been very supportive and generous in the past. Donations of toys, games, clothing, personal hygiene items, gift certificates, and monetary donations have enabled us to help those less fortunate. The Toy Bank would not be successful without continued help from the community.

Here's how to help: Collect new toys within your organization for age groups from newborn to 12 years old. If looking for a specific need to fill, the infant and 9-12 age groups are always in need for both boys and girls. If you need a collection box, please call 603-516-TOYS, leave a message and we will get you one for your business.

Purchase gift cards to area businesses, mall stores, and grocery stores are always appreciated.

Shop for hats and mittens, gloves and scarves that are needed for the cold winter. These gifts help ensure each child receives these essentials.

Collecting monetary donations within an organization and shopping for gifts helps greatly. If you don't have time to shop for these items, the Toy Bank will do it for you.

Toy Bank volunteers will pick up donations on site or drop off new, unwrapped items at these locations: Dover Central Fire Station (9-11 Broadway), South End Fire Station (27 Durham Road) or the North End Fire Station (262 Sixth St.) anytime until Christmas evening.

Monetary contributions can be picked up on location or mailed to Dover Fire Toy Bank, P.O. Box 1712, Dover, NH 03821-1712. Please make checks payable to The Dover Fire Toy Bank.

For more information, or to help wrap presents, call 603-516-TOYS (8697)