Atlanta’s Station 16 opened its doors earlier this month to provide food and Christmas gifts to 400 kids in the surrounding area. The annual party has been bringing the community together since 1970.
To pull off such a large event, several area groups get involved, including the Atlanta Fire Department, the Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation, Local 134 members, the Progressive Firefighters of Atlanta, and area businesses.
“Most families only see us on their worst day. This event allows us to interact with them and share some holiday joy,” said Reginald Scott, Progressive Firefighters of Atlanta Vice President and Local 134 member. “And they truly appreciate what we do. Sometimes they call as early as August to make sure they are included.”
Station 16 was the first to integrate African American fire fighters into the department, and those fire fighters organized the first Christmas party with money from their own pockets. Fire fighters from all the city’s fire stations now help out and several businesses, including Home Depot and Tyler Perry Studios, contribute as well.
The donations fund everything from smallticket items like board games and school supplies to larger gifts like bicycles and laptops.
But it’s not just about handing out gifts; the event also includes a traditional holiday meal, music, games, and more.
Local resident Anissa Ferrell has helped cook the meal every year. Her mother, Rosa, a 911 operator, was the first to cook the meal inside the Station 16 kitchen. Now that kitchen is named after Rosa.
“She wanted to cook and make sure that every child had a hot meal, a traditional meal, just like we usually would during the holiday. But some people are not able to sit with their family or have a hot meal,” Ferrell told a local news outlet last year.
This year’s party was a great success thanks to careful planning throughout the year. All involved say they hope next year will be even bigger and better.
