The Troy Fire Department is hosting the second annual toy drive benefiting the Sugar Plum Shop at Children’s of Alabama.

“We found out about the Sugar Plum Shop really close to the deadline last year,” said DJ Williams, Troy firefighter EMT. “We actually took donations for about a week and a half and was overwhelmed with the support of the community to help the children.”

The Sugar Plum Drop serves as an in-hospital toy store that allows parents of currently hospitalized patients to “shop” for gifts for their patient child and siblings. The gifts are free of charge.

“We decided to do it because it was a way that would take away some of the stress from the parents not being able to be at home with their kids on Christmas,” Williams said.

Williams, who delivered the donated items to the hospital last year, said that the Sugar Plum Shop is set up like a store, and the parents are able to walk through about three large conference-sized rooms to pick out items for their children.

The Sugar Plum Shop wish list includes art and craft supplies, infant/toddler items, teen items, items for all ages, electronics, gift cards, gift-wrapping supplies, toys, etc. All items must be new for safety reasons.

Items such as candy or food items, toy weapons, yo-yos and many more cannot be accepted for safety reasons. For a complete list of items that are acceptable and unacceptable, visit http://foundation.childrensal.org/wishlist.

The Troy Fire Department began accepting items Tuesday, and both stations will continue to serve as a drop-off location until Dec. 16 at 6 p.m.

“If someone can’t get it to me, they can call the station, and I will make arrangements to pick it up,” Williams said.

Fire Station 2 can be reached at 566-5943.

“If there are any businesses and churches that want to be a drop off point, they can contact me, as well,” Williams said. “My goal is that we get enough that I have to rent a truck to get them all to the hospital.”

Williams said that he plans to support the Sugar Plum Shop as long as he works with the Troy Fire Department and the City of Troy will allow it.

Williams will be delivering the donations to Children’s of Alabama on Dec. 18.