San Francisco Bar Pilots hold annual toy drive

(SAN FRANCISCO) — The holiday season is filled with countless traditions, and the San Francisco Fire Department toy drive is perhaps one of the most-loved among them. As a contributor to the effort, the San Francisco Bar Pilots held their annual toy drive at their Pier 9 offices last week. A sign of the close cooperation with local agencies, hundreds of friends, colleagues, family, and industry partners gathered on the water to share food, drink and good cheer; the only price of admission was a toy for the kids and good spirits. 

Over the Past two decades, the San Francisco Bar Pilots have made the holiday toy drive a highlight of their charitable endeavors, scaling their end-of-the-year effort from five bikes in 1998 when the tradition began, to 110 in 2017. Along the way, the bar pilots have helped create special holiday memories for thousands of San Francisco children.

Capt. Joe Long, president and port agent for the San Francisco Bar Pilots, said, “The San Francisco Bar Pilots are proud to continue our partnership with the SFFD toy drive program. Everyone can make a difference in a child’s life, and this is a great opportunity to help ensure that all of our city’s children have a happy holiday."

By Professional Mariner Staff