Public-safety holiday charities in the Northwest Valley

Several fire and police agencies in the Northwest Valley will give a helping hand to deserving children and families this holiday season. Here's what they're doing and how you can help:

Surprise Fire Fighter Charities

The non-profit organization is collecting unwrapped toys for its annual "Toy Store." They can be dropped off at any of the seven Surprise fire stations through Dec. 19. Deserving families will be contacted to pick up the toys between Dec. 21 and Dec. 23. Checks can be made out to the Surprise Fire Fighter Charities and can be sent to Surprise Fire Fighter Charities, P.O. Box 9305, Surprise, AZ 85374

The organization also will sponsor its third "Aisles of Smiles" at 6 p.m. Dec. 11. One hundred Dysart Unified School District students and 25 children who have suffered burns will select toys at the Target store on Bell Road and NW Point Parkway.

Info: Reach Julie Moore at jmoore522@aol.com or at 623-229-7408.

Fire District of Sun City West

The Fire District will be holding an Adopt-A-Family program, providing needy families toys, clothing and supplies. Cash donations can be made to the Adopt-A-Family account at Sun Country Credit Union, 19436 R.H. Johnson Blvd., Sun City West, AZ, 85375.

All food and toy donations can be made in the lobby at the following Sun City West locations: Fire District of Sun City West Administration building,18818 N. Spanish Garden Drive; Fire Station 101,19001Camino Del Sol; Fire Station 103,13431 W. Deer Valley Road, and The Madison, 18626 N. Spanish Garden Drive.

Deadline for toy donations: Dec. 12; Deadline for food donations: Dec. 19. Cash will be accepted Dec. 1-24.

Info: Call Holli Sandeen at 623-215-1058 or call the Fire District at 623-584-3500 or visit its Web site at www.scwfire.org.

El Mirage and Surprise police departments

Officers at both agencies will take part in the annual W. Steven Martin Police and Fire Toy Drive, delivering toys to deserving families throughout the Valley a few days before Christmas. Surprise police compile a list of crime victims, particularly children, throughout the year to identify beneficiaries.

To donate: W. Steven Martin's Police Memorials and Toy Drive, P.O. Box 6456, Chandler, AZ 85246