Fire fighters and emergency medical workers across the IAFF are stepping up this season with community-driven efforts that show service doesn’t end when the call is over. From food drives to toy drives, IAFF Locals are working to make the holidays brighter for families in need.
“Our Locals are part of the community,” General President Edward Kelly said. “These holiday drives are a meaningful way to make the season a little easier for neighbors who could use some support – and our members never hesitate to step up.”
Here’s what IAFF Locals are doing to support their communities this holiday season:
Canton, MA Local 1580’s Food Drive & “Cans for Kindness”
In Canton, Local 1580 is growing its annual food drive into a wider community effort. Local 1580 Fire Fighter Alana Burke said the Local is “proud to help the community by hosting a local food drive, bringing neighbors together to help families in need.”
This year, their efforts include “Cans for Kindness,” a new partnership with an elementary school that encourages students to donate food or nominate classmates for acts of kindness. Whether donating or being nominated, students earn a chance to win a ride to school in a Canton fire truck.
“Together, we hope to strengthen community connections and ensure that every family has access to the resources they need,” said Burke.
Belleville, ON Local 497’s 2025 Toy Drive
Belleville, ON Local 497’s toy drive has been running since the 1940s. It continues to receive incredible support from the community, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds.
“Last year, we delivered just under 800 boxes to children in our community. Each box includes toys, puzzles, activity books, and winter essentials like hats and gloves. These boxes are built and distributed by Local 497, with the help of some amazing volunteers – including one who has been giving their time for over 40 years,” said Local 497’s Richard Quick.
Alexandria, VA Local 2141’s Children’s Holiday Toy Drive
In Virginia, Local 2141 has launched its 2025 Children’s Holiday Toy Drive, which now includes the collection of new and gently used winter coats for women and children.
Local 2141 President Josh Turner said the annual holiday food and toy drive has been a source of support for over three decades.
“This program is only possible through the immense generosity of our community and our members, who are dedicated to providing for those who are less fortunate than us during the holiday season,” he said.
Meadville, PA Local 515’s Food Drive
Farther north, Local 515 is taking a central role in organizing the city’s holiday food drive after local officials reached out for assistance. Local 515 President Daniel Serafin said the Local’s past involvement in similar food drives helped the project come together quickly.
“Local 515 has organized holiday food drives in the past, so when the mayor and city council reached out to us this year for assistance, our members were ready to jump in,” he said. “We were able to help coordinate the effort and offer input based on our previous experience.”
All donations will support the Center for Family Services, which helps local families in crisis. Serafin added that the shared effort demonstrates the strong partnership between the union and the city.
“This effort has also been a great opportunity to collaborate with our local government, because at the end of the day, we are all working toward the same mission: serving and strengthening our community.”
Delta, BC Local 1763 Runs Multi-Program Holiday Outreach
Delta, BC Local 1763 is engaging the community through several programs that meet both community needs and holiday traditions:
- The Healthy Snack Program ensures vulnerable students receive nutritious food delivered directly by fire fighters.
- Days of Giving, a returning campaign, surprises families and nonprofits with gifts that help relieve holiday stress.
- Bright Nights, a massive volunteer effort supporting the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund, depends heavily on off-duty Local 1763 members.
Local 1763 members say these efforts reflect their commitment to showing up for their community in meaningful ways.
“For Local 1763, the holidays are about being visible and accessible to our community. Whether we are attending a tree lighting or delivering healthy snacks to schools, we want the citizens of Delta to know their fire fighters are here for them, not just on their worst days, but on their best days too,” said Local 1763 President Mike McMillan.
Local 1763 Treasurer Eric Wilson also said the holiday season provides an opportunity to pay it forward. “For me, the real value isn’t in the ledger; it’s seeing those funds turn into impact – supporting students, local groups, and families in need,” he said. “That is the greatest reward.”
Across North America, IAFF Locals show that their dedication doesn’t end when the sirens do.
Is your Local active in the community this holiday season? Keep us posted by tagging the IAFF in your social media posts (@IAFFofficial on major platforms).
