Local fire fighters host annual Toy Drive

December 14, 2015 · 0 Comments

Local residents can do their part to help ensure needy area children and families find something under their Christmas trees and food on their table this holiday season.

Shelburne’s firefighters are hosting their fifth annual toy and food drive, which kicked off November 19 with some donations already being dropped off at the station on Thursday and Friday evenings from 7–9 p.m. and Saturday’s from noon until 4 p.m.

This coming Saturday (December 12th) you can find them at John’s No-Frills from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. then will wrap up this year’s toy and food drive on December 19 when they will be at Foodland from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

As local demand for the drive continues to be grow, our local firefighters help to fill those wish lists through donations from the community. They ask residents to drop off new, unopened toys and non-perishable food.

“We’re always looking for older kid stuff for teenage boys and girls and also stuff for babies,” Chief Brad Lemaich said. “There is always a pretty big need for those age groups.”

The firefighters also accept monetary donations. The money allows them to fill incomplete wish lists.

“All the money we receive we use to get things that are needed however not received through the toy and non-perishable food drive,” said Captain Mike Morell.

If residents cannot make one of the drop-off days, Lemaich encourages you to make a donation at the station located at 114 O’Flynn Sreet (at the north end of Williams Street), during the times someone will be at available.

Looking back on previous toy drives, Morell said “the community deserves credit for always coming through. Without the community, this wouldn’t be anything,” he said. “It’s a lot of work, and we spend a lot of time away from our families doing this, but it’s great knowing how may kids and families will have a Christmas.”

By Michelle Janzen

Photo by Michelle Janzen
From left to right, Fire Chief Brad Lamaich and Captain Mike Morell stand beside the display of toys and non-perishable food items that they have collected to date.