The Historic Handlery Union Square Hotel at 351 Geary (between Powell and Mason) in San Francisco teamed with the San Francisco Firefighters Union Local 798 to hold a successful toy drive to make sure no child went without a toy in San Francisco this Christmas. Dressed as Santa Claus, San Francisco Firefighter Bob Cuff and costumed characters accompanied by off-duty SF firefighters were in front of the Handlery Hotel from 9 a.m. to midnight on Christmas Eve 2013.
The San Francisco Handlery Hotel raised $3,500 and donated two barrels of toys to the drive this year to ensure no child went without a Holiday present.
The San Francisco Firefighters Union Local 798 asked people to bring unwrapped toys which were collected in front of the Handlery Hotel. Everyone who brought a toy got free pictures with Santa and many children brought their lists of Christmas wishes to Santa in person.
Beloved, legendary hotel owner Jon Handlery and Handlery hotel staff served as “Santa’s Helpers” and assisted with the collection of thousands of toys for needy San Francisco kids.
An additional toy drive was held just next door to the hotel at another property also owned by the Handlery family, the landmark Lefty O’Doul’s bar and pub – a great place that makes one of the best Irish Coffee drinks in San Francisco!
SF Firefighters Local 798 Toy Program
The Local 798 San Francisco Firefighters Toy Program is celebrating its 64th year of providing toys to San Francisco children in need during the holidays. The San Francisco Firefighter’s Toy Program is San Francisco’s largest and the nation’s oldest program of its kind. Since 1949 it has evolved from a few firefighters repairing broken toys and bikes for 15 families to, in 2012, 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 Toy Program is made possible through public donations and the efforts and contributions of Local 798 members.
Firefighters Union Local 798 wishes to thank Jon Handlery & the staff of the Handlery Union Square hotel for welcoming the Toy Program at their property.
The Handlery Union Square Hotel
Located at Union Square, the Handlery Union Square Hotel offers the perfect San Francisco lodging for vacationers and business travelers. As a fourth generation family-owned hotel, the Handlery has created great experiences for guests by offering personal service, beautifully appointed rooms, and a warm atmosphere. Ideally located right next to the world famous Powell Street cable car line, the Handlery Union Square Hotel is a beloved San Francisco institution. http://www.handlery.com
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