The Cedar Grove VFD will host a benefit drive for their Firehouse Santa program Saturday at the Tractor Supply in Belle, seen here.Photo byGMSV

CEDAR GROVE, W.Va. -- They’re making a list and checking it twice. And starting this Saturday, volunteers with the Cedar Grove Fire Department want to ensure every local child’s Christmas is nice.

But they need your help to do so.

That's why, beginning at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19, the firefighters will host a benefit toy drive for their annual Firehouse Santa program, which provides upper Kanawha Valley children with holiday gifts.

Saturday’s event, at the Tractor Supply store in Belle, will include funnel cakes and prizes. All proceeds will benefit the fire department’s annual charitable initiative.

Visitors may also drop off toy donations at the event.

An upper Kanawha Valley legacy

The Firehouse Santa program began more than 15 years ago when Cedar Grove volunteer firefighter Larry Coleman began collecting toys for kids in need.

He's been gathering and distributing the items most years ever since.

“His program has helped hundreds of families in the upper Kanawha Valley to make sure there is a gift from Santa under the tree,” department officials wrote in a social media post from last year.

Saturday’s benefit offers a chance for the community to keep Firehouse Santa going.

“Everyone help Larry’s dream of making sure there is a present under a child’s tree this Christmas,” Michael Coleman, the station’s fire chief, wrote in an announcement.

The Firehouse Santa benefit takes place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19 at the Tractor Supply Store, 2700 East DuPont Ave. in Belle.

More information on Saturday's event is available on the Cedar Grove VFD’s Facebook page.

Michael Ramsburg is a Kanawha County communities reporter. He can be reached at ramsburgreports@gmail.com or by calling 304-370-3067.