The Scottsdale Fire Department recently kicked off its annual toy drive, which helps to give holiday gifts to over 1,000 families in need each year. 

The department marked this year’s Black Friday as the official start of its toy collection drive, which will run now through Dec. 20. Each year, the fire department collects about 15,000 toys which partner organizations distribute to local families who would other wise struggle to provide toys for their kids during the holiday season. 

"Our community is extremely generous," Fire Chief Tom Shannon said in a press release. ”These donations help make the holiday season a little brighter for many families.”

As part of the collection drive, the fire department will also host their annual Ride for Toys event Saturday at the Target at Frank Lloyd Wright and the Loop 101. Families can ride the fire truck around the parking lot when they donate a toy.

"We appreciate the partnership with Target allowing us to host this event in their parking lot year after year," Shannon said in a statement. 

Donations of unwrapped toys and gift cards may be brought to any fire station or to the Scottsdale Fire Station headquarters. Visit http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/Assets/ScottsdaleAZ/Fire/SFDToyDriveIdeas.pdf for a list of donation ideas and more information.