What started out as a small-scale gathering among friends to collect gifts for the VOCM Happy Tree has turned into a major toy drive.

Sheilagh Guy Murphy started hosting a get-together with friends about 30 years ago, with the only stipulation being that guests bring a gift for the Happy Tree. She would then have local firefighters drop down to her house and pick the gifts up.

The event has grown over the years and for the third year in a row, they’ve shifted to a large-scale gift drive-thru at Kent’s Pond Fire Station on Portugal Cove Road tomorrow.

Guy Murphy says the St. John’s Regional Fire Department is a big part of the effort and she offers her thanks to the firefighters for playing such an integral role.

The toy drive-thru is taking place this Sunday from 2-5 p.m. at the Kent’s Pond Fire Station. Firefighters and the Salvation Army will be on hand to accept gifts for the Happy Tree.