Toys for Kids program looks for last-minute Santas

<p>Santa Rosa firefighters hope a last-minute round of donations to their annual toy drive will bring in gifts for older children, ages 7 and up. </p><p>“That's where we're hurting, big time,” said firefighter Daryl Sager, who organizes the drive.</p><p>Firefighters donate hundreds of toys to fulfill requests from charities, including the Volunteer Center, Redwood Gospel Mission and homeless shelters, through their Toys for Kids program.</p><p>People have been generous this year with dolls, cars and other toys aimed for the little kids, Sager said. Huge piles of stuffed animals have collected at fire houses.</p><p>Sports equipment, movies, make-up, hair accessories, clothes and gift cards are the kinds of gifts families need for their older children. For clothing, keep colors neutral, meaning nothing red or blue that could align a child with a gang, Sager said.</p><p>Drop off gifts at fire stations until Thursday, Christmas Eve.</p><p>People can also bring toys to a collection box at the Santa Rosa Mall, any </p><p>of the Les Schwab Tire Centers in Sonoma County or the Safeway at 2300 Mendocino Ave. near Steele Lane until Tuesday Dec. 22.</p><p>There's also still time to request toys, if you need gifts for your family. Visit the firefighters' union Web site at www.srff.org to download a form. Fill it out and drop it off at any fire house or send it by fax.</p><p>For information about drop-off locations and toy requests, call the Fire Department's Toys for Kids line at 543-3500.</p>