SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – University of San Francisco Athletics is set to hold a Toy Drive in partnership with the San Francisco Fire Department during the men's basketball game on Monday, Dec. 11, when the Dons host New Orleans.
 
The San Francisco Firefighter's Toy Drive is the city's largest and the nation's oldest program of its kind. Since 1949, the program has evolved from a few firefighters repairing broken toys and bikes for 15 families to, in 2021, 300 firefighters and friends volunteering their time to distribute over 200,000 toys to more than 40,000 disadvantaged children. Besides helping individual families in need, the Toy Program serves many community organizations, including shelters for abused women and children, inner-city schools, children's cancer wards, and pediatric AIDS units. The program responds year-round to displaced children who become victims of fires, floods, and other natural disasters.
 
San Francisco is asking fans who are attending the game to bring unwrapped, brand-new gifts to put in bins that will be located inside War Memorial Gym. Along with the Toy Drive during the game, the department will accept donations throughout the month. The San Francisco Firefighter's Toy Drive's Chairperson, Sally Casazza, will also be honored at halftime as she is stepping down after 13 years of service.