Toy & Joy Makers

Toy & Joy Makers Toy & Joy makers is a local toy drive founded by the Portland Fire & Rescue in 1914, helping out local families in need around Christmas time

It all started in 1914 when Firefighter Eddie Boatright fixed a broken wagon and gave it to a neighborhood kid. The idea caught on and by 1924 the City's Firefighters decided to organize in the effort to supply toys to the area's needy children at Christmas. By 1926 that effort was officially recognized as "Toy and Joy Makers" with the motto "Every child deserves a Christmas". As a totally volunte

er effort the program has changed over the years from different Engine houses repairing different types of toys (bikes at one station, dolls at another and so on). Now most toy’s can’t be repaired so now toys are purchased and donated to help us give toys to over 12,000 children. That equates to 3,000 families on average a year and over the last 10 years the disbursement is over 500,000 toys. Toy and Joy "Shoppers" give each child by age and gender appropriate toys plus a few fill-in stocking stuffer items. The Portland Fire's Toy and Joy Makers have turned the job of "Santa's Helper" into quite a creation. Throughout the year they assist the Bureau by giving gifts to children that have been victims of fires, accidents and other natural or man made disasters. The program has been recognized by "Readers Digest" and the White House for its work and has served as a model for over 1,700 like programs nation wide. As an all volunteer program it would be impossible without its many helpers who work tersely year after year. In 2020 over 5,800 volunteer hours were given to the community by retired firefighters, Local 43 members and people from the community at large.

06/08/2026

A little offduty T&J er fun. Kenwood stereo system rocks!

It is not all fun and toys at T&J. Our 84 year old neighbor was out mowing her lawn last week. Jim Allen, logistics ‘06 ...
06/01/2026

It is not all fun and toys at T&J. Our 84 year old neighbor was out mowing her lawn last week. Jim Allen, logistics ‘06 and Armand Leriche, E15 ‘05 stepped up today to give the neighbor a hand with her bushes. Chuck Harrison, logistics ‘16, followed behind with the broom to complete a clean sweep!

05/29/2026

Thanks painter Gary!

05/11/2026

Sort day 2026, this helps us to have toys ready in November when we start packing toy boxes for the Christmas season.

04/18/2026

Ranger Steve approved!

Ranger Steve with a thumbs up!
04/18/2026

Ranger Steve with a thumbs up!

The carload of quilts! Thanks NW Quilters!
04/08/2026

The carload of quilts! Thanks NW Quilters!

04/08/2026

Many thanks to the Ladies @ NW Quilters for the carload of new doll and infant quilts!

When down to Station 1 (the Big House) for the 75th celebration of Station 1 being open. Many changes since I worked th...
03/04/2026

When down to Station 1 (the Big House) for the 75th celebration of Station 1 being open. Many changes since I worked there (1972-1988) but all good changes. Portland Fire & Rescue’s Toy & Joy Makers operated out of the basement until 1984. Saw some old firefighters that worked there. A lot of stories were told. Great Memoirs. Thank you to all that made this great event.

Dean Johnston
Retired

01/10/2026

For next season!

Address

5916 NE Going Street
Portland, OR
97218

Telephone

+15038230922

Website

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