Lake Harmony Fire Company will partner with Ronald McDonald House in a toy drive.

The Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House, the original Ronald McDonald House, that serves as an example of how people can work to help those in need, is partnering with Lake Harmony Volunteer Fire Department.

For years the “House” has served and housed families that have children with serious illnesses that are being treated at Philadelphia hospitals, according to Ralph Lennon, the fire chief at Lake Harmony Fire Company.

“The house members and volunteers have an extensive network of organizations and businesses volunteering and contributing time and money to help young patients and their families. Now the Lake Harmony Volunteer Fire Company is now one of those organizations and is participating in the Ronald McDonald House Annual Toy Collection,” he said.

With most parents concerned about the health of their ill child, they do not have the opportunity to shop for toys.

“Thus the donated toys are made available to the parents of patients staying at the house,” he said. The parents simply choose the toys left at the house, free of charge for their sick child as well as any siblings.

The toys must be new and unwrapped, and must not be violent or religious in nature. The toys will be collected by the fire company and delivered to the House in mid-December.

If you would like to donate please drop off toy donations at the Lake Harmony Volunteer Fire Company located at 257 Lake Harmony Road, Lake Harmony on Saturdays between 10 a.m. and noon or Monday evenings at 6:30 p.m.

If you would like to drop off your toys at the Kidder Township Municipal Building between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. A check made payable to the Ronald McDonald House is also acceptable.

The drive will end Dec. 10.

“These ill children and their families are waiting for your generosity,” Lennon said.