ASHLAND - For the 27th year, Ashland firefighters are helping families in need.  It’s their annual holiday toy drive.

In Ashland, firefighters are giving back; donating their time to help those in need.  "It was fun last year so I decided to do it again," said Ashland Firefighter/EMT Joy Wooley.  It’s the 27th annual Ashland Firefighters Toy Drive!  "This is a lot of fun; we enjoy doing it every year," said Ashland Firefighter/Paramedic Stuart Matthias.  "It’s a really good feeling to know that we can give back to the community," said Ashland Fire Captain Scott Thimm.  "We do this because that's what firefighters do; we help people in times of need."

Over the past month, they've been collecting unwrapped toys and monetary donations from community members and businesses, then they take that money and go shopping for those who need it the most this holiday season.  "We have bicycles, board games, stuffed animals, small electronic games, MP3 players and CD players, little stuffed animals, dolls trucks," said Matthias.  "Handmade mittens, scarves, every kind of toy you can imagine that can be purchased," said Ashland Firefighter Julie LeBlanc.

This year Ashland firefighters were able to give gifts to nearly 700 children from Ashland and Bayfield counties.  "I think it's wonderful, if it wasn't for the toy drive, things in my situation, I wouldn't be able to do much for my children," said Sherlon Capponcelli of Washburn.  "It brings a smile to their face and that's all that's important."

"I see a lot of people that are extremely thankful and it's nice to see their faces when they get their stuff," said Wooley  "It means a lot, I’m not working right now and it's really hard to find a job and dad's the only one working so it's awesome," said Joann Doughterty of Ashland.

From newborns to age 12, there are gifts for every family on their list; some are even surprised with a brand new bike!  "If it wasn't for people donating these wonderful gifts, there would be a lot of children without Christmas," said Capponcelli.  "Kids deserve presents no matter what even if it's one gift; that one thing could make that kids day," said Dougherty.  "It’s a really good feeling to know that we can help out," said Cpt. Thimm.