Every year in San Francisco, the Fire Fighters Local 798 Union puts on an admirable and valiant effort to give toys to disadvantaged children.

The San Francisco Firefighter’s Toy Program is the cities largest and the nation’s oldest program of its kind. Since 1949, it has evolved from a few firefighters repairing broken toys and bikes for 15 families to, in 2016, 300 firefighters and friends volunteering their time to distribute over 200,000 toys to more than 40,000 disadvantaged children.

Besides helping individual families in need, the Toy Program serves many community organizations, including shelters for abused women and children, inner-city schools, children’s cancer wards, and pediatric AIDS units. They also respond on a year round basis to displaced children who become victims of fires, floods and other such disasters.

Deputy Sheriffs’ Association President Ken Lomba had been in communication with Fire Fighters Local 798 President Tom O’Connor and we discussed what toys the Fire Fighters Toy Program needed.  Tom connected us to the Fire Fighter Local 798 Vice President Danny Garcia who was coordinating the toy drive.

Today, DSA President Ken Lomba and DSA Parliamentarian Abdullah Wazwaz  met with Danny and brought a car load of toys (remote control cars, nerf toys, and a lot of LOL Surprise) gifting to the Fire Fighters Toy Program.   Ken and Abdullah spent their time, in part, separating and organizing toys for the children.

DSA President Lomba said, “We have a lot of admiration and respect for what the Fire Fighters Local 798 is doing by giving back to children with there toy program.   The Fire Fighters Toy Program helps to provide children with wonderful toys that are sure to provide for great Christmas Memories.  Myself and Abdullah likewise will remember this amazing day with much fondness.  We were honored to help!”  

Thank you to Fire Fighters Local 798 for allowing the Deputy Sheriffs’ Association to share in your spirit of giving this holiday season!