Montgomery County first responders donate thousands of toys to kids in the hospital

PLYMOUTH TOWNSHIP, Pennsylvania (WPVI) — First responders in Montgomery County will donate nearly 10,000 toys to children in area hospitals on Sunday.

This is the 13th year that Plymouth Community Ambulance has organized the Operation Kids Christmas Kids Toy Run. It’s a matter close to the chief’s heart.

“Today is the happiest day for Plymouth Ambulance and the community,” said Chief Thomas Trojansky, who launched the event to give back to Bryn Mawr Hospital after his son spent time in intensive care following his birth.

The event has grown over the past decade and now includes dozens of first responder companies from across the county and around 70 local businesses.

“It’s really comforting to see all of these people donating their time, effort and money to support children who can’t be home,” said Frank Santillo, a paramedic at Plymouth Community Ambulance.

Every year the company collects toys in its bay. Once all the equipment has arrived, first responders load their vehicles with the toys and head in procession first to Bryn Mawr and then to St. Christopher’s Hospital for the bulk donation.

Local businesses that donate their time and resources to the event say they are happy to give back to the ambulance company that helps the community.

“Where did we get this decommissioned ambulance?” Angela McFarland asked her son Jake who owns Coffee Closet with Barista Jake.

“From the Plymouth Ambulance!” he has answered.

Jake has autism and the Plymouth Community Ambulance has been instrumental in getting his business off the ground. The decommissioned ambulance now serves as a mobile café.

Angela says the ambulance company’s spirit of giving always extends well beyond the holidays.

“It says they understand the community and they value the people who live in this area that they serve, and that’s why so many people want to give back to them,” she said.

First responders who attend year after year say the best part of the day is seeing the children’s reaction as they deliver the gifts.

“There are no words, no words. You cannot put words about seeing a child smile in the hospital,” Chief Trojansky said.