On December 23, 2011, Sioux Falls Fire Rescue and Sioux Falls Firefighters Local 814 along with Santa will be delivering toys to the area hospitals. Unfortunately during the holiday season, there are times when children have to be hospitalized. So annually, Sioux Falls firefighters have purchased and wrapped toys for giveaway at Avera Hospital, Sanford Hospital, and Children’s Care Hospital & School.

During the holiday season it can be especially difficult for children to be away from home and hospitalized, so providing a chance to have a child smile through a fun toy or game is an opportunity that local firefighters look forward to annually.

Thursday, December 22, at 10 a.m., firefighters will gather at the Lewis Store on 41st Street and South Minnesota Avenue to shop for the toys. They then will move to Fire Station 5, located at Tenth Street and Chicago Avenue, to wrap all the toys. On Friday, December 23, firefighters and Santa will meet at Fire Station 5 at 8:45 a.m. and using a fire truck as Santa’s sleigh will begin delivering the gifts to children at Avera, Sanford, and Children’s Care Hospital & School.