Since 2004 Monterey County Regional Fire District firefighters have partnered with Kinship Center to bring holiday cheer to area children who need it most. This year they will be joined by Carmel Valley firefighters to bring a smile to the faces of children who have suffered abuse or abandonment. Shown here, dedicated firefighters who have worked for weeks to collect new toys prepare for distribution to children and families in Kinship Center’s ‘Family Ties’ Relative Caregiver program at a special party complete with a fire safety skit, food, fun, and a new toy given by firefighter Santa.

This year new, unwrapped toys will be collected at Monterey County Regional and Carmel Valley fire stations from Friday November 24 through Christmas Day. Click here for more information about the toy drive and for a list of locations.

Kinship Center also receives the generosity of the annual Jennifer Hill Toy Drive hosted by New Masters Gallery of Carmel. Each year Gallery owner Bill Hill mounts a county-wide drive with two dozen toy drop-off locations (listed in the link above) and Kinship Center is one of four area charities to benefit from the generosity of the Gallery and the community.  On December 4, New Masters Gallery will hold its annual Holiday Show, open to the public from 4-7 pm at the Gallery on Dolores St. in Carmel.

Kinship Center wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to Bill Hill and New Masters Gallery, and to Fire Chief Michael Urquides and the firefighters of Monterey County Regional and Carmel Valley Firefighters Associations for their hard work, generosity and support to make a difference in the lives of children.