December 20, 2008

Firefighters help families

       For the eighth straight year, the White River Township Fire Department is helping families in need this Christmas season by providing gifts for children.  Through a partnership with the Johnson County United Way, the department receives a list of names each year and then goes out to procure funds and other donations necessary to purchase the gifts.  This year, donations have poured in, including a $1,000 donation from the Greenwood Meijer store.  "Meijer has been instrumental in helping us succeed in achieving our goal of 100% fulfillment for the eighth year in a row", said Fire Marshal Eric Brown.  Seen in the photo below is store manager Bill Thompson providing Marshal Brown with their donation.  Other significant single-donor contributions came from Friends Forever ($700), Greenwood Sertoma Club ($300), Northpointe Surveying ($300), Greenwood Target ($200), and Greenwood Wal-Mart ($190).

         Individuals and businesses can help in many ways, ranging from a monetary donation to shopping for specific gifts for specific children.  In any case, once all the purchases have been made, all of the gifts are sorted by child and family and then wrapped at a wrapping party.  Photos from this year's wrapping party are also shown below.  Shortly after the wrapping party, gifts are delivered by firefighters both on and off duty just in time for Christmas.

         If you would like to help with next year's project, please contact Public Education Officer Craig Zollars at (317) 888-8337 or by e-mail by clicking HERE.
 

              
(Click on a thumbnail to enlarge photo)
    

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