Shop, Drop & Roll with a Firefighter Toy Drive Event with MDFR First Responders

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR), in partnership with Metro-Dade Firefighters Local 1403 and Camillus House, will host a toy drive event this Sunday at the Walmart Supercenter located in Doral, FL.

In the spirit of the holiday season, the Shop, Drop & Roll with a Firefighter Toy Drive event brings together local firefighters and cadets from the MDFR Cadet Program to assist families facing financial hardship in shopping for toys for their children. This event provides a unique and heartwarming experience for everyone involved and demonstrates the bond between first responders and the community, emphasizing the importance of unity and support during challenging times. During the event, donations of new, unwrapped toys will be accepted onsite.

As part of the ongoing Toys for Kids Toy Drive, MDFR will also be accepting new, unwrapped toys at all MDFR Fire Stations through Dec. 25. Click here to find a fire station near you.

This event would not have been possible without the unwavering support and contributions made by Walmart, who contributed grant funding to the Dade County Association of Firefighter Charities, Inc., exemplifying the power of partnerships in supporting local families in need.

“Our firefighters are more than just first responders as their commitment to the community extends well beyond the call of duty. They are everyday heroes also spreading joy and cheer during the holiday season,” said Fire Chief Ray Jadallah. “By assisting children as they shop for their favorite toys, they are truly brightening lives, igniting a sense of hope and warmth with kindness and compassion.”

"Families in Camillus House Residential Program face immense challenges, often struggling to afford basic necessities. The collaboration between our Local and MDFR brings smiles to children’s faces and provides hope to families in crisis," said William McAllister IV, Metro-Dade Firefighters IAFF Local 1403 Union President. "It’s a beautiful way to spread joy and compassion this holiday season."

"We are deeply grateful to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, Metro-Dade Firefighters Local 1403, and Walmart for their extraordinary generosity and partnership,” said Eddie Gloria, Camillus House CEO. “Their dedication to bringing joy to the children living in Camillus House's permanent supportive housing exemplifies the true spirit of the holiday season. Camillus House is fortunate to have the unwavering support of our community and partners like Walmart, whose contributions make efforts like this possible. Together, we are brightening lives and reminding families and children in need that they are not alone."

“We always look forward to working with these outstanding organizations, especially during the holiday season. It’s exciting to come together to deliver holiday cheer within our community.” Said Leidy Padron, Walmart Store Manager. “We’re proud to be part of the Doral community and this special event.”

Please confirm attendance by emailing [email protected].

For more information, please contact MDFR’s Media and Public Relations Bureau at 305-204-2526.

About Camillus House
Camillus House has provided humanitarian services to persons who are poor and homeless in Miami-Dade County, Florida since 1960. As a ministry of the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God, Camillus House was originally established to serve Cuban exiles. From its humble beginning as a small soup kitchen, Camillus has grown into a full-service organization offering a comprehensive “system of care” including food, clothing, emergency, transitional and permanent housing, physical and mental health care, and substance abuse treatment.