2025 Sierra Vista Fire Fighter’s Toy Drive Returns!

It all started more than fifty years ago, according to former Sierra Vista Fire Chief Paul Cimino. 

"Some of the guys and I took a call at a local home just before Christmas," Cimino told me, "and we realized the kids didn't have any gifts under the tree." That call sparked an idea. What if the Sierra Vista firefighters could make a difference, help out families, and put a little something under the tree for kids in the community?

The annual Sierra Vista Firefighters' Toy Drive was born.

The ask is simple: donations of new, unwrapped toys for kids up to age 12. Every year, the firefighters have been able to meet the need, with the help of the folks in Sierra Vista and the surrounding community.

READ: Sierra Vista Firefighters of the Year

How Does the Toy Drive Work?

The firefighters do a LOT for this event, but they don't do it alone. Throughout December, they partner with businesses such as Sierra Vista's radio stations, 100.9FM K101, 92.3FM KWCD, and Thunder 98.1FM to connect with the community.

This year, the live broadcasts are sponsored by our community partners Sulfur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative and Copper Queen Community Hospital.

Sierra Vista's Arby's, Ace Hardware, and Schlotzsky's help in a big way by providing drive-up collection points for the collection crew and supporting the toy drive every single year.

Read: Can You Legally Burn Your Trash in Arizona?

Other Donations Accepted for the Firefighter's Toy Drive

For those who don't feel like shopping, the crew also accepts cash and gift card donations, which they use to "fill the gaps". For example, if an age group doesn't have enough toy donations to meet requests, the firefighters go to local businesses and buy toys, which are then added to the distribution.

Businesses like Arby's and all the fire stations in the Sierra Vista area have collection points. Through our partnership, you can drop off donations in three days in December without leaving your vehicle, and all donations are tax-deductible.

A lot of businesses and office organizations throw down challenges to see who can collect the most toys, then they drop them off for the kids! Stan Greer Millworks and others rise to the challenge every year!

When are the Drop Off Days for the Sierra Vista Firefighters Toy Drive?

The first three Wednesdays in December, you can drop off donations from 4pm to 6pm:

• Wednesday, December 3rd: Arby's on Fry Blvd
• Wednesday, December 10th: Schlotzky's/Ace Hardware corner of Fry & Hwy 92
• Wednesday, December 17th: Schlotzky's/Ace Hardware corner of Fry & Hwy 92

How Do I Sign My Child Up for the Firefighter's Toy Drive?

If you've got a child 12 years old or younger that you'd like to sign up, stop by the Sierra Vista Fire Station 3 located at 675 Giulio Cesare Ave, Sierra Vista. The sign-up dates are Friday, December 5th, and Saturday, December 6th, from 8am to noon.

To sign a child up, please bring the following:

• Adult must have ID (driver's license, military ID, etc.)
• A utility bill/mail that shows the name and address in Sierra Vista, Hereford, or Palominas
• Must show proof of guardianship for the child
  • Birth Certificate, DES/WIC/AHCCCS paperwork, court order, Power of Attorney, Medical Power of Attorney, Guardianship papers

You can get more information by calling the fire station at (520) 417-4400.