Sedona’s Heroes Rally for $3K to Support Local Children

The city of Sedona has launched its first “Clash of Christmas Heroes” fundraising event, which runs through Monday, Dec. 23. This initiative pits the Sedona Fire District against the Sedona Police Department, with each agency aiming to raise at least $1,500 for Sedona Toys for Tots.

According to SFD Risk Reduction Division Chief Dori Booth, who is spearheading the fire district’s efforts, “The agency that raises the most donations will gain bragging rights for the year and receive a prize yet to be determined. Ultimately, the real winners are the kids and families who will benefit from Toys for Tots this year.”

The funds collected will specifically target toys for older children aged seven to sixteen, as these age groups often see fewer donations. “We’ll be implementing a social media campaign,” Booth remarked, noting that SPD Sgt. Raquel Oliver is exploring additional pop-up fundraising opportunities.

Oliver expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “I’m really happy Booth came to me about it because I love community events. Hopefully, we can organize more like this in the future to engage with the community.” She added, “It’s just a sibling rivalry; it’s like the military where different branches can engage in friendly competition.”

Community members can contribute by dropping off toys at Fire Station 1, located at 2860 Southwest Drive, at Fire Station 3 at 125 Slide Rock Road in the Village of Oak Creek, or at Sedona City Hall at 102 Roadrunner Drive.

This fundraising effort follows the recent “Battle of the Badges” basketball game hosted by Mingus Union High School on Oct. 26, which featured firefighters and police officers competing to benefit the MUHS girls’ basketball team.

Additionally, the Sedona Winds Retirement Community held its 16th annual dinner on Dec. 2, successfully raising $3,500 for Sedona Toys for Tots. Coordinator Angela Thomas noted, “The funds raised are used to shop at Walmart for toys for all ages. The residents have continuously invested in future generations.”

The city will also host a “Stuff the Bus” event on Tuesday, Dec. 10, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Posse Grounds Pavilion, aiming to fill a Sedona Shuttle bus with toys.

For further details on how to contribute to Sedona Toys for Tots, individuals can visit sedona-az.toysfortots.org or donate on behalf of SFD at tinyurl.com/bdfv2573, and for SPD at tinyurl.com/ybwajeah.