The Utica Fire Department will be hosting an event at Utica Memorial Park to stuff an ambulance full of toys. All toys collected will go to Toys for Tots, which distributes toys to less fortunate children at Christmastime.
By: Kara Szymanski | Shelby-Utica News | Published November 17, 2023
UTICA — The Utica Fire Department is holding a “Stuff an Ambulance” drive to benefit Marine Toys for Tots Dec. 9 at Utica’s Memorial Park.
All toys collected will go to Marine Toys for Tots, which distributes toys to less fortunate children at Christmastime.
Donations are asked to be new and unwrapped toys to stuff the ambulance. There will also be the annual downtown fireworks that day from 7 to 8 p.m. Drop boxes for toys are also located in Utica City Hall, 7550 Auburn Road, and the Utica Public Library, 7530 Auburn Road. Memorial Park is next to the library.
Collections for toys began Nov. 1 and will run through Dec. 9. The goal is that no child will go without a gift this holiday season.
“To make this a successful event, please continue to share on social media. Our goal is that no child goes without a gift this holiday season,” said Michael Ryan, a paramedic/firefighter at the Utica Fire Department and a member of the Utica City Council.
Mayor Gus Calandrino said the Utica Fire Department organizes the city’s Toys for Tots campaign every year, and it does a “wonderful” job.
“Last year, they collected over 2,500 toys worth over $35,000. Through the hard work of the Utica Fire Department, hundreds of kids were able to enjoy Christmas. Every kid deserves to feel loved and cherished and I thank our Utica Fire Department for all the work they do in our community; especially during the Toys for Tots Christmas campaign,” he said.