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) Jamie Dean organizes toys for families to pick up. From left, firefighter Chris Ulrich, engineer Jason Mooney, Capt. Steve Lizon and firefighter Andy Bowersox made Irish stew to feed everyone who attended the event. Hailey Schaefer packs boxes for families in need. Snapshot: Firefighters assist 200 families at Christmastime 0 By Current Publishing on December 20, 2018 Lawrence/Geist Community Share. Twitter Facebook Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email