Pinole Firefighter Drive Collected 'Hundreds of Toys,' Clothes, Food

Kids and families in Pinole had a happier holiday season thanks to generous donations from the community.

The El Sobrante Salvation Army received "hundreds of toys, numerous bags of clothes and grocery bags full of canned foods" through the Pinole Fire Department's annual toy drive, Battalion Chief Brian Lowry said in an email.

Here are more details, courtesy of Lowry:

Pinole Firefighters conducted another successful Holiday Toy Drive this year.  Through the generosity of the community, we were able to provide the El Sobrante Salvation Army with hundreds of toys, numerous bags of clothes and grocery bags full of canned foods to help those in need this Christmas. 

The Firefighters have been working with the local Salvation Army every year for over 20 years now, ensuring that toys donated locally, are distributed locally, to boys and girls in our own community.  The toys run the gamut, from stuffed animals and dolls, to board games and puzzles, footballs and basketballs to the latest, “must-have” toys of the season.   

Donors range from local families to local businesses and schools, all willing to share the holiday spirit.  Our collection bins overflowed numerous times and the Salvation Army’s van was stuffed to capacity on multiple trips between the fire station and the El Sobrante mission. 

Off duty firefighters also made trips in their personal vehicles to make sure the toys got to the kids in time.    

The Pinole Firefighters would like to say “Thank you” to all those who were so kind and generous this year and wish everyone a Happy (and fire safe) New Year.”