Hallmark Health System, which includes Lawrence Memorial Hospital of Medford and Melrose-Wakefield Hospital, is giving back to families in need this holiday season through its annual Toy Drive that benefits the local office of the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF).

For the past month, Hallmark Health System employees have been picking up gift tags, buying the items listed, wrapping them and returning them to drop boxes located throughout the organization. This annual drive has been held for close to a decade and is always well supported by employees.

“The amount of gifts we have collected in years past has been overwhelming,” said Judy Worthley, system manager of volunteer services at Hallmark Health System, who estimated approximately 800 gifts were donated last year alone. “The employees’ generosity grows each year. It’s really amazing.”

Executive Director of the DCF Kids Fund Saf Caruso said with approximately 40,000 children served by DCF, toy drives like Hallmark Health System’s are absolutely critical during the holidays.

“Many of these families are extremely needy so come the holidays they depend on this type of support,” she said. “It helps the whole family feel so much better about everything. We are so grateful to Hallmark Health System for so many years of dedication and commitment to our families.”

For more information about the DCF Kids Fund or to make a donation, visit www.dcfkidsfund.org.

For more information about Hallmark Health System, visit www.hallmarkhealth.org or follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/hallmarkhealth.