Firefighters raise more than $2,500 for Toys for Tots

DIXON - The Dixon Fire Department Charitable Association's first pancake breakfast likely will not be its last. Firefighters flipped flapjacks for nearly 550 people Sunday, and collected more than $2,500 for Toys for Tots, Chief Tim Shipman. "I didn't ask how may pounds of batter they went through or how many pancakes they served, but it was a lot," Shipman said. "The station still smells like pancakes." Firefighters had help from members of the Dixon Area Men's Garden Club, who were more experienced in planning this type of event, he said. It's not too late to pitch in. Dixon Area Marine Corps League members are still accepting new unwrapped toys at drop-off barrels around town - including one at the fire station, 210 S. Hennepin Ave. Cash donations can be made at www.toysfortots.org online. All donations stay in the Dixon area.