As the holiday season rolls in, there’s one tradition that always brings the community together: the Niagara Falls Firefighters Christmas Toy Fund. For nearly a century, Niagara Falls, NY Local 714 has worked to ensure that children in need don’t miss out on the joy of Christmas.
“The Toy Fund is 96-years-old,” said Christmas Toy Fund Co-Chair and Local 714 Fire Fighter P.J. DiFrancesco. “It started with neighbors bringing toys to the firehouse for the fire fighters to fix; things like wooden horses. Over time, it evolved into bikes and new toys. We fundraise year-round, buy the toys, and bring them back to the firehouse. It’s a long process that takes a lot of hands.”
This year, the tradition continues as Local 714 members are out in full force, collecting donations and spreading cheer for families in Niagara Falls. The campaign officially kicked off with a series of fundraising events, including Bar Brigade, where fire fighters fundraise at local bars, boots in hand, collecting donations from patrons in support of the Toy Fund.
On Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, Local 714 hit the streets at the busy intersection of Niagara Falls Boulevard and Military Road to continue their annual collection drive. “The best part about our charity is that every single dollar goes to buying the kids toys or clothes for the winter,” said DiFrancesco.
“We really run like a well-oiled machine. All our family and friends come to help volunteer, and it really brings our fire department together.”
Christmas Toy Fund Co-Chair and Local 714 Fire Fighter P.J. DiFrancesco
The fundraising efforts continue with a series of events, including the Charity 5K/10K Run in October and SummerFest, which features a vintage car show and live music. The highlight is the annual telethon and basket auction at Niagara Falls High School, where Santa Claus makes a special appearance to hand out Christmas gifts to children.
“Over the years, we started developing what’s now a big logistical plan,” said DiFrancesco. “We expanded, and now we’re helping 750 kids a year, each receiving three gifts. We really run like a well-oiled machine. All our family and friends come to help volunteer, and it really brings our fire department together.”
Over the years, the toy fund has grown from a small operation run out of the firehouse to a large-scale charity that now serves hundreds of families each year. Last year, fundraising efforts assisted over 130 families with clothing and 700 children with toys for Christmas.
“It’s a huge effort, but it’s worth it,” said DiFrancesco. “We raise around $70,000 a year to help hundreds of families, with the support of many volunteers, local businesses, and family members. It’s a true community effort, and it’s what makes it so special. My fellow fire fighters say the holiday season doesn’t start until we begin collecting for the Christmas Toy Fund because it really brings you into the holiday spirit.”
For more information on how to get involved, visit their website here.
