Portland Fire & Rescue’s (PF&R) Toy N Joy Makers was founded in 1914 to help provide Portland’s needy children and low income families with toys, books, and other gifts during the winter holiday season. The Toy N Joy Maker’s toy program is the largest in Oregon and has a history of working alongside local and state agencies. During December 2009, toys were given to over 8,500 children from 3,000 families living within Portland city limits.  The Toy N Joy Maker’s toy program is the largest in Oregon and has a history of working alongside local and state agencies.

Although the primary season for Toy N Joy Makers is during the winter, pre-planning, organization, and preparations take place throughout the year. Donations are dropped off at throughout the year at any of PF&R’s 30 local fire stations or the Toy N Joy office. Donations are then collected by Toy N Joy volunteers and transported to the distribution warehouse at 59^th and NE Going. PF&R firefighters and community volunteers then get into the spirit and support the Toy N Joy Makers’ mission by dedicating time out of their busy schedules to sort donated toys into the proper age groups at the warehouse.

How Can You Help?

• Donate Toys: Throughout the year, when you are out shopping for your own children, pick out one extra present to leave with the Toy N Joy Makers. Please drop unwrapped new toys off at any of the 30 PF&R fire stations located in Portland, Oregon.
• Donate Money: Cash donations are vital to the program as proceeds are used to purchase toys and books at a wholesale level.  Toy N Joy Makers is a charitable (501(c)(3)) organization (Federal Tax I.D. 93-6096777), so donations are tax deductible. Fully 98% of donations go directly into providing toys for children; less than two percent goes to overhead. Donations can be made any time during the year online at http://www.toynjoymakers.org/ or send your donation by mail to Toy N Joy Makers at 5916 NE Going Street, Portland, Oregon 97218.
• Volunteer During the Winter Season: Volunteers assisted each day taking toy request phone calls from parents, inputting requests into the computer, restocking shelves, and putting orders together for pick up. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Toy N Joy Makers at info@toynjoymakers.org or at (503) 823-0922 during normal business hours.

Follow Portland Fire & Rescue on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Flickr

May 20, 2010