It’s a tradition that Carmel Fire Dept. firefighter Tim Giffin cherishes.
Since 1967, CFD, with the support of the Carmel community, has delivered food and gifts to families in need in the holiday season through the Community Assistance Program.
“It’s one of my favorite things we do at the Carmel Fire Dept. just because it’s such a great day, the actual giving of these goods,” said Griffin, CFD public information officer. “What I like about it is it’s very old-fashioned. The community comes out to assist. You have all the boxes and the goods in the station ready to go.”
Griffin said there is a line of cars around the fire station to do pickups while holiday music fills the air.
“You really see people excited to take the much needed food and gifts to the families,” Griffin said. “Even if I am off on vacation, I come in and volunteer because I love to hand out all the goods to the community. It’s a time we get to work with the community and help people in need.”
Community members pick up gifts and food to take to families from 9 to 11 a.m. Dec. 11 at CFD Station 45, 10701 N. College Ave.
“Some off-duty firefighters deliver as well,” Griffin said. “It’s open to anyone that wants to volunteer. They’ll drive through and we’ll bring them the goods. If they have kids, there are toys. If someone has a bigger trunk or a truck, they might take two deliveries. After you drop off one set, if you want to come back you can.”
Griffin said the goal is to assist 200 families. Griffin said Boy Scouts help the firefighters package the boxes.
“The last couple of years have been tough on people (during the COVID-19 pandemic) more than ever,” Griffin said. “Two things that are great is we can help people and we can come together as a community for one common goal.”
Those interested in being a delivery driver can email [email protected].
Donations also are accepted by check or PayPal. There are still sponsorship openings with a registration deadline of Dec. 1.
For more information, visit carmelfd.com.
