Snapshot: Firefighters assist 200 families at Christmastime

On Dec. 14, the Lawrence Fire Dept. hosted the 30th annual Family Holiday Assistance Program Packing Event, where dozens of volunteers, firefighters, police officers, city employees and others packaged food and organized toys for in-need families to receive during the Christmas season. The Firefighter Family Assistance program serves more than 600 families year-round, and this specific event aided 200 families. LFD Chief Dino Batalis, left, has organized the event since 1988. Lawrence Mayor Steve Collier, right, issued a proclamation to honor Batalis for his service through the program. (Photos by Anna Skinner)