Danbury Fire Fighters Already in the Holiday Spirit

December 2, 2010 – Danbury, CT Local 801 fire fighters are looking out for area citizens in need this holiday season. Local 801 has partnered with the Department of Children and Families (DCF) for a toy drive, and are also working on a food drive for the Salvation Army and a Christmas gift collection called the Salvation Army Tree.

“It is important to us that the citizens of our community receive the care that they need, even if it is not an emergency,” says Local 801 President Lou DeMici. “It’s a good feeling to know that our citizens in need will still have a nice Christmas.”

For the DCF toy drive, Local 801 fire fighters parked a fire engine at the Danbury Square Mall where citizens dropped off unwrapped toys until the engine was full.

Also on hand for the event was "Sparky" the dog. Fire fighters gave tours of the fire engine, inviting children to sit in the driver's seat to take a closer look at the computer, all the control switches, air packs and tools. DCF staff provided information on the joys of foster care and adoption.
The gifts will be handed out by Santa Claus on December 4 at the Palace Theater in Danbury.

For the Salvation Army, Local 801 is conducting its own food drive. Community citizens are encouraged to drop nonperishables at fire stations. The food will be delivered to the Salvation Army on December 23.

Additionally, many member fire fighters are participating in the Salvation Army Tree program. Participating fire fighters receive the name of one child and what he or she wants for Christmas. All gifts will be delivered no later than December 6.