Every kid deserves to receive a Christmas present.
This sentiment is why, for 93 years, local organizers of Toy and Joy have provided hundreds of presents each December to children from lower-income families in their communities.
"Gift-giving around the holidays is a centuries/millennia-old tradition," Corrine Haning, Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue's public affairs officer, said via email. "Toy and Joy seeks to spread holiday cheer to those who might not otherwise receive a gift, with the hope that each child feels cared for by the community."
And each year, without fail, all of Newberg steps up to do just that.
While the event's key facilitators consist of Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, the TVF&R Volunteer Association and former Newberg Fire Department's firefighters and volunteers, many local programs, organizations and families play important roles as well. 
Shop With a Cop, Operation Christmas Smiles, Love INC., Salvation Army, Newberg FISH and Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center help the three main organizers get connected with and serve as many needy families as possible.
The Bowlby family, who operate a toy drive in honor of a late son, have contributed thousands of dollars' worth of toys to the event.
Additionally, TVF&R, St. Paul Rodeo volunteers, the George Fox University dance team and Providence Newberg Medical Center staff are helping to wrap presents this year.
A time-consuming event, preparations for Toy and Joy began in the fall, with donated presents trickling in at the beginning of November. A few days before Thanksgiving, volunteers set up Toyland — where kids were treated to a "shopping experience" — in the Newberg School District facilities building for the second year in a row. Gift wrapping began Nov. 29.
Dec. 17 marks distribution day, during which children are matched as closely as possible with gifts that resemble the items on their 'wish list.' Older kids, who tend to be harder to shop for, obtain a gift card and a smaller gift.
While still a drive-thru event (a decision made during the pandemic), Haning said Toy and Joy remains a "festive atmosphere for families," boasting Santa and displaying several of TVF&R's antique apparatus.
As of Dec. 1, 191 children across 79 families have registered to receive gifts. Last year, 500 children from nearly 200 families took home presents. With just a few days left before the Dec. 9 application deadline, Haning said organizers hope to hit similar numbers.
To register a child for a Toy and Joy gift, log on to tvfr.com/newbergtoyandjoy or visit Krohn's Appliance during business hours. Only parents or legal guardians may apply.
For learn more or to ask questions about Toy and Joy, call TVF&R at 503-259-1502 or email them at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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