The Houston Fire Department is kicking off its annual toy giveaway for area children starting November 5 thru December 15, 2021. For the next few weeks Houston Firefighters will work alongside with the community and corporate sponsors to collect and distribute toys and gifts to families in need. The toys collected will be distributed December 18, 2021. The socially distant, drive through event will begin at 9 a.m. at Dick Graves Park, located at 2000 Reed Road Houston Texas 77051. This year’s toy drive will not require registration and will operate on a first come first serve format.

“2021 has been a year of challenges. Not only for our city but for the entire country. With the end of the year fast approaching, the Houston Fire Department is excited to announce that our annual toy drive, Operation Stocking Stuffer will be kicking off November 5,” said Chief Sam Pena, Houston Fire Department. “Working with our title sponsor Shell and other incredible partners and contributors, our goal is to bring holiday joy to thousands of families who otherwise might not be able to purchase toys this holiday season. It is widely regarded that Houstonians are some of the most generous people anywhere and we would like to call upon them to help us help those less fortunate by donating to Operation Stocking Stuffer.”

For many years now, HFD along with businesses and community volunteers have worked together for one of the largest holiday toy drives in the City of Houston. The history of this toy drive dates back to a Houston school teacher, Lorugene Young, and her legacy lives on. This year, our goal is higher than ever. In 2020 Operation Stocking Stuffer provided toys and gifts to more than 7,000 families but there are still more families in need. That's why our goal in 2021 is to assist between 7,000-10,000 families (up to 30,000 children)! We can reach that goal with help from the community and our generous sponsors like Amegy Bank, PODS, Target, Latham & Watkins, The Houston Dynamo, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Lakewood Church, KBR and our presenting sponsor, Shell Houston.

“Shell has a long history of partnering with communities to develop, improve and enrich the lives of our neighbors,” says Frazier Wilson, Shell Oil Director Workforce Development and Diversity Outreach. “Our eight year as leading sponsor of Operation Stocking Stuffer continues our commitment to building a strong bond between Shell and the Houston community. Please join us in supporting this holiday tradition of creating positive memories for children and expressing the gift of generosity which brings true meaning to this holiday season.”

For more information visit www.osstoydrive.com