WINCHESTER, Ky. — On a normal year, the Fire Department in Clark County delivers toys for Christmas to around 200 children. This year, they barely have enough for 30 families.
What You Need To Know
- Clark County Fire Department has been hosting a toy drive for the past seven years
- Before COVID-19, the department was able to support around 180 families with the toy drive
- Right now, the fire department has enough toys for around 30 families
- Captain Brock would like to serve around 200 families in the area and is requesting community donations
For the past seven years, fire captain Robert Brock has been a part of a toy drive in his community.
“You know I think we are a pretty tight knit community so serving the community that I grew up in, raised in, born in – it's great,” Brock said.
The Clark County Fire Department's goal is to provide Christmas gifts for over 200 families in Winchester. But with a lack of donations, they may not have enough this year.
“Two years ago, pre-COVID, we had 180 families. I always say we'd like to do as many as we can, but that's controlled by the number of donations we get because if we don't have stuff to give, we can't give it,” Brock said.
As of now, Brock said they have enough donations to help around 30 families, but hopes the community will step up to help their neighbors in need.
"Seeing the joy on their faces when we bring them stuff so they could actually have Christmas is worth a lot, it’s the least we can do,” Brock said.
As a first responder, Brock sees many difficult situations firsthand.
“Before they would have nothing it's just it hits you really deep knowing that you can provide that for them,” Brock said.
Providing gifts and bringing joy into a family's life is why Brock said he and his department serve their community, especially during the holiday season.
Donations are being collected by the Clark County Fire Fighters Association from now through Dec. 10. You can drop off toys or monetary donations at any of the fire stations in Clark County.