Firefighters Toy Fund in 85th Year

Now in its 85th year, the Niagara Falls Firefighters Christmas Toy Fund is mobilizing to try to help bring some holiday joy to those living in poverty and deprivation in our community. As we do every year since 1928, the Toy Fund will spread the Christmas spirit this December. We will host over 200 seniors from local nursing homes and adult living facilities, at our annual "Senior Citizens Holiday Dinner."Held at a local restaurant, it is run by off duty members of the fire department and their families. We will be serving a turkey dinner and all the trimmings along with local entertainment. Our "Aid to Needy Families Shopping Day" will ensure over 400 children from the Niagara Falls area will obtain garments to protect them from winter's cold. Qualified families will be invited to local stores and given a voucher to use for the purchase of clothes, hats, gloves, shoes, boots, etc. The original "Toy Distribution," will deliver to over 1000 kids brand new Christmas toys. We partner with local merchants to make the most of everyone's donations. Because we are volunteers, made up of firefighters and their families, with no paid staff, using volunteers to collect donations and putting them into action, we are able to use more than 95 percent of our donations directly into products that help our needy neighbors. On Dec. 14, we will be broadcasting our " Toy Fund's Annual Telethon," from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m., from the performing arts center at Niagara Falls High School, at 4455 Porter Road. It airs on Time Warner Cable, Channel 21.4 (OSC-21). Tune in to catch some top-notch entertainment and learn more about how to help or consider calling in a donation or, better yet, stop by to contribute in person. We will be holding a Giant Basket auction that day at the high school with over one hundred baskets and gifts provided by local businesses and private donors. Meantime, we've been working with schools and human service agencies to identify those in need, working with local businesses to arrange our clothes shopping day, and with nursing homes for our Senior Citizens Holiday Dinner and, of course, purchasing toys. To help, look to purchase our firefighter and child logos in local businesses. This is an easy way to help, while patronizing businesses that support this charitable cause. And look for and support fundraisers and toy drives to benefit the Toy Fund that are hosted by local organizations and businesses, such as the Band Night, organized by local musicians scheduled for Dec. 13 at the Evening Star Concert Hall, or The Santa Con that will be held on Dec. 14t, in various establishments in Lewiston. You can easily recognize these events by the Toy Fund’s firefighter and child logo prominently displayed. Donations sent directly to us (P.O. Box 271, Niagara Falls, NY. 14304) are always appreciated. If you have any questions please leave a voice mail at our informational line at 352-0650. A volunteer will return your call. For 85 years, The Niagara Falls Firefighters Toy Fund has worked to help our community meet the needs of the less fortunate in Niagara Falls during the holiday season. We are honored to fulfill this role and look forward to another 85 years. - John Castellani, Michael Burke, and the firefighters and families of the Niagara Falls Firefighters Christmas Toy Fund.

Niagara Falls Reporter - Publisher Frank Parlato Jr.

www.niagarafallsreporter.com

Dec 03, 2013