Suffolk’s Firehouse Subs locations are pitching in this week to make sure every child in Suffolk has a merry Christmas.

On Thursday and Friday, every customer who brings a new, unwrapped toy valued at more than $5 to either the downtown or the North Suffolk restaurant will receive a free sub.

John King, franchisee of both Suffolk locations, said he began participating in a prior year when the Toys for Tots warehouse was burglarized and several items were stolen.

“I had the idea to give a sub for a toy, and I wanted to do the same this year,” King said. “It’s obviously a worthwhile cause.”

This year, 11 Firehouse Subs franchises are participating, including some in Chesapeake, Virginia Beach and Williamsburg.

King said his stores saw a good response in previous years.

“Some people weren’t even redeeming the free sub, they were actually just bringing toys in to help out the Suffolk Toys for Tots,” King said. “We’ll certainly get some response this year.”

Firehouse Subs was founded in 1994 in Jacksonville, Fla., by two former firefighting brothers, Chris and Robin Sorensen. The chain sells steamed subs such as the “Hook and Ladder,” offering topping options like “fully involved,” fire service lingo for fully engulfed in flames.

The Suffolk Firehouse Subs locations are at 1201 N. Main St. and at 6255 College Drive. For more information, visit www.firehousesubs.com.