IAFF members put their lives on the line every day to protect and serve, but this holiday season, they’re giving back in a whole new way. Across the U.S., IAFF Locals hosted food drives and turkey giveaways in honor of Thanksgiving, showing that their commitment to helping others goes far beyond emergency calls.
Solon, OH Local 2079 created its community food drive in response to the increased need for resources in surrounding areas during the pandemic. “We felt fortunate to be situated in an affluent area where community service and giving back is highly valued,” said Local 2079 President Jeff Barker.
Local 2079 members launched their first food drive back in 2021, but it was Marc’s, a local grocery store, that helped turn their vision into reality. When they reached out, Marc’s management team offered both support and a generous $500 donation to help kick off the drive.
The collaboration grew over the next few years, with members collecting up to 4,000 to 5,000 pounds of food each year. The event had traditionally been held in December, but Barker says members noticed a shift in the local food banks’ needs. “Many families depend on these donations to get through the holidays, and if we can provide for them before Thanksgiving, we’re that much closer to making sure everyone has a meal,” he said.
Many families depend on these donations to get through the holidays, and if we can provide for them before Thanksgiving, we’re that much closer to making sure everyone has a meal.
Local 2079 President Jeff Barker
This year, members and volunteers unloaded bags of canned goods, boxes of pasta, and other food items in Marc’s parking lot. “I am consistently amazed by the turnout of our off-duty members who volunteer their time,” said Barker. “Additionally, our three fire stations rotate in providing food and drinks for the volunteers, highlighting the strong bond within our local community in northern Ohio. It’s an honor to lead such a dedicated group. While this initiative may seem small, its impact is far greater than any of us can truly comprehend.”
In Burlington, WA, Local 4111 members collected items to benefit the Helping Hands Food Bank through Nov. 27. A bin located inside the fire station allows community members to drop off non-perishable, unopened, and non-expired food items to help those in need.
“One of our members simply reached out to the local food bank and asked how we could help last year and the food drive began,” said Local 4111 President Richard Myers. “It’s impressive how one member can be a catalyst for so much good.”
Myers said the community donated almost 1,000 items last year. “Our goal this year is to get 1,200 items or more. Our Local has a plan to include this initiative in our efforts annually in conjunction with our other programs, like the annual coat distribution for kids in our district thorugh Operation Warm.”
In Palm Beach County, FL, Local 2928 distributed over 700 turkeys throughout Palm Beach County, South Bay, Greenacres and Riviera Beach.
“The giveaway was started ten years ago as a way for us to give back during Thanksgiving to our residents that are most in need,” said Local 2928 Communications Coordinator Albert Borroto. “We reached out to our local elected officials to identify the areas that would benefit the most from the giveaway and, along with them, distribute the turkeys to the residents.”
It’s been heartwarming to see the impact it has every year.
Local 2928 Communications Coordinator Albert Borroto
Borroto says the community has responded positively to the initiative. “It’s been heartwarming to see the impact it has every year,” said Borroto. “As public servants, we were motivated by the desire to help our residents during the holiday that may otherwise not be able to afford to enjoy a nice turkey dinner with their family. Our membership has also responded in a positive way, enjoying the interaction with the residents in a non-emergency situation and seeing the smiles on the recipients’ faces.”
In the northeast, Chelmsford, MA Local 1839 recently organized a food drop-off to the Chelmsford-Lowell Elks to support families in need. The donated food will be distributed to community members in need.
“These items donated by the Local 1839 Charity Fund will be made into Thanksgiving baskets,” said Local 1839 President Rob Albon. “Local 1839 are proud to support our community this holiday season. Thank you to the Chelmsford-Lowell Elks for their continued effort to help those in need.”
