By Coral Gables Gazette staff
The Coral Gables Firefighters Benevolent Association has launched its annual Holiday Toy Drive, inviting residents to donate new, unwrapped toys that will be delivered to children across South Florida in the days leading up to Christmas. The drive, a longtime community tradition, runs through Friday, December 19, with drop-off boxes stationed at all three Coral Gables fire stations.
This year, the association has expanded its efforts through a new partnership with Doctors Hospital in Coral Gables, allowing for additional collection points and broader outreach. Fire officials say the added collaboration reflects the drive’s growing scale and the city’s commitment to supporting children facing hardship during the holiday season.
A community effort with a personal touch
The bright collection banners outside the city’s fire stations mark only the first step in a hands-on operation. Once the collection period ends, the Coral Gables Fire Cadets—the department’s youth training program modeled on similar initiatives across Miami-Dade—will take on one of the most anticipated roles of the season: wrapping the donated gifts.
The cadets, many of whom hope to pursue careers in public safety, volunteer each year to sort and package toys before they are delivered. Lieutenant leaders in the program say the wrapping day is often the moment cadets begin to appreciate the civic weight of their work.
From there, firefighters will personally deliver the gifts to children in local foster homes, homeless shelters, and to young patients admitted at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. The deliveries are made in full uniform—sometimes even accompanied by fire engines—turning what could be a difficult holiday for many children into an unforgettable moment of joy.
Meeting a growing seasonal need
Across Miami-Dade, holiday toy drives run by first responders have become an essential support system for families navigating economic stress. Coral Gables firefighters say they see firsthand how much these donations matter, especially for children in transitional or medical settings.
“Every toy represents a child who deserves to feel remembered,” firefighters often note during the drive. The Benevolent Association, which focuses year-round on charitable and community-support efforts, identifies this program as one of its most impactful each year.
How to participate
Residents wishing to take part in the toy drive can drop off new, unwrapped gifts at any of the following three Coral Gables fire stations through Friday, December 19:
- Public Safety Building – 2151 Salzedo St.
- Fire Station 2 – 525 S. Dixie Hwy.
- Fire Station 3 – 11911 Old Cutler Rd.
Donation boxes are located inside each station lobby during regular operating hours.
A tradition rooted in service
The Coral Gables Firefighters Benevolent Association has supported community programs for decades—from scholarship efforts to emergency-aid assistance—but the annual toy drive remains one of its most visible expressions of civic service. Residents who have donated in past years often describe the event as a reminder of the city’s neighbor-to-neighbor culture.
As the boxes begin to fill once again, firefighters say they hope the community will help match last year’s strong turnout. For many children who will receive these gifts, the gesture is more than a present—it is a message of care during a season meant for hope.
Author: Coral Gables Gazette News Staff
Originally established in 1996 and relaunched as a digital publication in February 2025, the Coral Gables Gazette is an independent local news organization dedicated to factual, objective and accountable community journalism. Our newsroom reports on the people, policies, institutions and events shaping Coral Gables, Florida, providing residents with timely, informative coverage of the issues affecting their community. Our reporting includes City Hall, local government, municipal elections, public spending, real estate development, business, education, arts and culture, and neighborhood affairs throughout the City Beautiful. We follow City Commission decisions, examine public records and report on the businesses, organizations and individuals contributing to Coral Gables. We believe informed residents are essential to a healthy, engaged community. Stories published under the Coral Gables Gazette News Staff byline are prepared or compiled by the publication's editorial team. We strive for accuracy, fairness, transparency and clear distinctions between news reporting, opinion and advertising. Readers are encouraged to submit news tips, corrections, editorial inquiries and story suggestions through our Contact page and learn more about our standards through our Editorial Policy.
