December 10, 2001

CG students, firefighters play Santa

       White River Township firefighters and Center Grove Middle School students have been busy all month wrapping presents.  The school and the fire department have teamed up to give clothes, toys, hats and gloves to area children in need this Christmas.  The Gold Team — a 150-student club at Center Grove Middle School under the direction of Jill Johnson— wanted a community service project that every member could work on this winter.  And there’s been plenty of work to do. Since the first of the month, a student, firefighter and parent or teacher have spent 5 to 8 p.m. every weekday evening inside the Meijer store at 150 8. Marlin Drive collecting needed items.  First, Lt. Steve Rowland contacted local churches, the United Way of Johnson County, Greenwood Head Start and Center Grove students to compile list of about 130 local children who could benefit from a little extra help this Christmas.  Students studying German at the high school made cards that listed what toys the children wart ed and what sizes they wear.  Some firefighters and students passed out Ca to shoppers at Meijer, while others wrapped the presents as they were turned in.  They finished collecting the items on Friday and today they are gathering at the fire station to finish wrapping presents.  Next week, the agencies and families will receive their Christmas bundles.  “We’re just trying to give everybody a good Christmas,” Rowland said.   In the photo below, White River Township Fire Chief Mike Tibbetts and his wife Connie Jo Tibbetts hand out cards at Meijer with the description of an item that can be purchased for a needy child. Shoppers later returned the cards and the gifts. Today, firefighters and Center Grove Middle School students will gather at the fire station to finish wrapping the gifts.  (Reprinted with permission from the Daily Journal)

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