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Firefighters Helping Toy and Food Drive Wednesday

J.B.
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Flickr Creative Commons

Off-duty firefighters will join a holiday toy and food drive Wednesday, aimed at lifting spirits among needy families. 

 

A holiday tradition, Chico firefighters are joining with a local branch of national temp agency Rush Personnel for a day-long toy and food drive.

Chico Fire Department spokeswoman Marie Fickert said that the volunteers, which also include staffers from Mix Radio will be out for twelve hours collecting items donated through the drive.

 

“These are, a lot of our folks who, perhaps the parents are making a pretty low income, minimum wage type jobs, and we’re just trying to really offer these families what we call the best Christmas they’ve ever had in their life.” Fickert said.

 

Fickert said recipient families have been vetted and referred by an agency. Sought after items include any unwrapped new toy, school supplies, shelf-stable food items or warm clothing items like jackets or coats. Recipients range in age from infants to teenagers. Small value items that can serve as ‘stocking stuffers’ are also welcome.  

 

“These are delivered directly to the families homes via an off-duty fire engine with off-duty firefighters and Santa Claus on board.” Fickert said.

 

The toy and food drive is Wednesday from 6 in the morning to 6 in the evening. It will be located at 15 Independence Circle, within the Philadelphia Square business park at the intersection of Esplanade and Eaton Road in Chico.