Instead of filling a sleigh with toys, local emergency responders are teaming up to fill an ambulance with gifts for children this holiday season.

This Friday and Saturday, a toy drive sponsored by International Falls Fire and Ambulance Service and Police Department, will take place in front of Kmart from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days. Nathan Myers, paramedic, who helped organize the second annual event is hoping it will mimic the success of last year’s drive.

“We collected 229 toys (last year),” he said, adding $731 and 715 pounds of food were also donated to the local Salvation Army.

Myers said the idea originated from a similar effort done on the Iron Range. Seeing how successful it was inspired him to orchestrate something locally.

“It is nice to give back to the community,” he said.

Myers said the Kmart location is new from last year and will hopefully increase the volume of items collected.

“We are hoping with the new location that we can increase the donations from last year,” he said.

Items dropped off during the drive should be unwrapped, Myers said. When the effort is complete, everything will be brought to The Salvation Army for distribution.

People unable to drop off toys or other items during the drive can bring donations to the International Falls Fire Hall, 600 Fourth Street.

“I would like to thank everyone for helping make this toy drive a success,” he said. “It is nice to see the community come together to help those in need.”