November 25, 2025
By Rachel Scofield
The Violet Township Women’s League is once again setting the pace for community giving with a $2,305 donation in gift cards to the Violet Township Firefighters’ Annual Toy Drive—support that Assistant Chief Jason Smith says plays a crucial role in helping local families.
“We appreciate all the community support throughout the toy drive every year, especially the Violet Township Women’s League,” Smith said. “Every year they have been generous enough to donate several thousand dollars in gift cards that help support the community we serve.”
Residents have several ways to get involved.
“On our social media pages, people can find QR codes that link directly to Amazon and Target and ship items straight to the firehouse,” Smith explained.
There is also a link to donate to the drive’s PayPal account.
For those who prefer to donate in person, new, unwrapped toys can be dropped off at:
• Station 591 (21 Lockville Rd.)
• Station 592 (8700 Refugee Rd.)
On Dec. 5, during the Pickerington Village Holiday Gathering (5–8 p.m.), Mauger’s Mini Doughnuts will be giving away free doughnuts to anyone who drops off a contribution to the toy drive.
On Dec. 13, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Station 592 will hold a drive-through collection day. Donors can pull right into the bay and drop off toys without leaving their vehicle.
At Benitez Fire Protection (12920 Stonecreek Dr. N.), anyone dropping off a new, unwrapped toy or providing a $12 monetary donation can receive a free fire extinguisher inspection. Toy drop-offs are accepted Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m., and inspections will be offered every Friday through Dec. 23 from 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Gift cards remain especially helpful for purchasing items for teenagers, who are often the hardest group to shop for. These can be deposited in the red mailboxes inside each station lobby.
“We get a lot of toys for the younger kids, but not for the teenagers,” Smith said. “Teens like headphones, games, or gift cards so they can buy clothes or something that fits their interests.”
Smith expressed heartfelt gratitude for the continued outpouring of support.
“Every year we are truly blown away by the support we have for this program to pass along to the families in our community. Thank you.”
Adding to the generosity, Meijer recently contributed $1,500 in gift cards, providing another meaningful boost to help ensure children of all ages have a brighter holiday season.
