Gadsden Fire Department Toys from Santa roadblock is Friday

When you are out on Black Friday, whether shopping or not, look for Gadsden firefighters on Rainbow Drive in front of the Gadsden Mall.

They will be manning the annual roadblock that benefits the department's Toys from Santa program — the major fundraising effort for the department's annual drive to provide a happy Christmas for area children in need.

The location in front of the Gadsden Mall is one of the city's high-traffic areas every day, and historically it has been the same on Black Friday.

Fire department personnel will be out from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to collect donations for the toy drive.

Fire Chief Wil Reed said it's his first time heading the campaign, and the department is hoping for strong support from the community.

He said this year's drive has had some corporate community partners who've made donations, for which it is very grateful. Requests for assistance are coming in as well, he said, and the need is anticipated to be as great this year as last.

People can make donations anytime at any of the city's fire stations. New, unwrapped toys are welcome, as well as monetary donations.

As is the case every year, Reed said, any money or toys not used this year will be reserved for next year's effort.

Contact Gadsden Times reporter Donna Thornton at 256-393-3284 or donna.thornton@gadsdentimes.com.