Wareham’s former Deputy Fire Chief Dick Melloni was always willing to lend a hand to those in need.

He personally helped the department to raise money for a new fire boat and was always the first to think of the less fortunate in town, especially around the holidays.

When Melloni passed away suddenly in 1993, his friends and family decided the best way to remember him would be by keeping his giving spirit alive.

Together they formed the Dick Melloni Youth Foundation, a nonprofit organization which works to support children's education, health and welfare in Wareham.

Now in its 26th year, the foundation hosts an annual Christmas toy drive which helps to provide holiday cheer for hundreds of local children and their families.

The drive was started by Sandra (Florindo) Vary, a close friend of the Mellonis who wanted to honor the former deputy chief for all he’d done.

In its first year, the toy drive served roughly 30 families. By 2016, that number had increased to 600.

The foundation accepts donations of toys and clothing throughout the year, stepping up its efforts in December with help from the Wareham Police Department and other local groups.

The foundation will officially kick off its 2018 drive with dinner and dance on Dec. 1 at Salerno’s Seaside Function Hall in Onset.

The charity event will run from 6 p.m. to midnight and feature appetizers, music, dancing and raffles. Tickets are $25 each with the donation of a toy for the toy drive.

For tickets and information on how to volunteer, call 774-222-3562 or 774-222-3555.