The Broward Sheriff's Office Fire Department is already in the Christmas spirit. This is the third year they are filling up a truck full of toys for children with cancer.
Santa and Ms. Claus greeted children as their off-duty firefighting elves collected new, unwrapped toys to support the Children’s Cancer Caring Center this holiday season. It's a cause Santa's helpers look forward to every year.
"You see kids that are suffering from these terrible illnesses and they show up and you just see the joy," said Lt. Bill Fucci. "All the pain is gone all the suffering is gone and it just brings happiness."
Children who came with their parents to donate toys also received a special treat at the toy drive, as they became honorary firefighters for the day.
John Farley and his daughter say they went shopping on Black Friday just to find the perfect gift that would bring joy to a child going through difficult times.
"There's so many people that need to have a sense of what love is all about," said Farley. "And that's why we're here. So that somebody out there who doesn't really understand anything about Christmas knows there's people out there that care about them and love them."
Fucci sais that while past years have been successful, they are aiming even higher this year.
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"Our goal is to fill the firetruck with as many toys as we can fit," Fucci said. "We got right around 8,000 last year and we're looking to break 12,000 this year."
If you would like to make a donation, firefighters will still be collecting toys Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. off of Federal Highway and NE 13th Street in Deerfield Beach.
