Dover Fire’s Toy Bank lost all toys in water leak: Community responds

DOVER — Two local auto groups joined forces to replace the Dover Fire Department’s Toys for Tots program after all the toys were recently destroyed due to a water line break.

Dover Fire Lt. James Calderone said the toys were stored in a mill building on Central Avenue, as usual. “We got a call about a water leak,” he said. “We had no idea how significant the damage was until we arrived.”

Tim Hall, general manager of McGovern Auto group in Newington, and Matt Barker, general manager of Portsmouth Toyota, worked with volunteers and the staff of Walmart in Newington and together they collected 684 toys worth more than $5,800.

“Recently, the Dover Fire Department’s Toy Bank suffered a devastating loss due to an unexpected pipe burst,” said Wiitala. “But we’re not letting that stop the holiday spirit. These toys were delivered to the Dover firehouse, where they were met with smiles and heartfelt thanks from the firefighters. However, there’s still more work to be done to ensure every child in our community receives a gift this holiday season.”

Interim Dover Fire Chief Perry Plummer said they lost about $40,000 worth of toys.

“People are coming together and we are grateful,” Plummer said. “People can drop off unwrapped toys to any of out three fire stations. Or they can make a monetary donation, which is really great because then we can purchase toys based on the age and need of a child.”

How water leak destroyed toys in Dover mill building

On Saturday Aug. 4, approximately 6 inches of water cascaded down on top of the toys and gifts that were stored for the season, resulting in the Dover Fire Toy Bank losing its entire supply.

“For the first time in over 40 years, we are starting the season off with no supplies to help children and families in need this holiday season,” Plummer said.

Initially started in the mid-1970s the Dover Fire Toy Bank has maintained a residual stockpile of toys to help start each year, never missing a year. Throughout the years, the Dover Fire Toy Bank has assisted thousands of families, distributing gifts to more than 100 families annually within the city.

“The Dover Fire Toy Bank is seeking the assistance of the community once again with restocking our supply of new, unwrapped toys, games for children ages newborn through age 12,” Plummer said.

How you van help:

Donating new, unwrapped toys: Drop them off at any of the three Dover fire stations (262 Sixth St., 911 Broadway or 25 Durham Road).

Monetary donations: Checks can be mailed to Dover Firefighters Charitable Association and include “Toy Bank” in the memo line, at P.O. Box 1004, Dover, NH 03821.