Christmas is still three months away, but Clark County firefighters are starting to collect toys for families this winter.

The drive is being organized by the Clark County Firefighters Association, a non-profit group separate from the Clark County Fire Department, though many county firefighters are members.

Firefighter R.D. Brock said the firefighters used to do a Christmas toy drive, but the last one was more than a decade ago. Brock, who is leading the effort, said he got the approval from the department.

“I love helping people,” Brock said. “In the fire service , you’re in a position to do it so why not do it?”

The goal, he said, is to help 150 families in Clark County by collecting and then distributing toys in December.

“If we don’t get that many, that’s fine,” he said. “If we do more, that’s fine too. I hope we get a lot more than that. We can serve a lot more families.”

Brock said they are accepting new toys for those up to 18 years old, as well as monetary donations.

“Every donation we get is going to someone who needs it,” he said.

Brock said they will work with the schools and other agencies to identify families that need some help at the holiday and make sure they have presents for the children.

Presently, the firefighters are working on building collection boxes which will be placed throughout the county. Donations and toys will also be accepted at Clark County Fire Department Station 1 on Barnes Drive. The last day to donate is Dec. 1, which will allow time for firefighters to sort the toys, he said.

“I just want these families to have something for Christmas,” he said.

For more information, call the Clark County Fire Department at 745-0260.