MIDDLETOWN, Conn. — Ten families were given presents at the Middletown Elk Lodge during the Adopt-a-Family event Sunday evening, an initiative organized by the South Fire District IAFF Local 3918 and other community members.
The presents sat under Christmas trees left for each family.
“This was a blessing to our family and it just made everything very smooth for me and my family, so we’re happy and we're also blessed,” Sharon Thomas, who attended the event with her seven-year-old daughter, said.
These items were bought by people and organizations in the Middletown community.
“The Condon family, of which Sherry is an officer, they raised over 100 toys for donation,” Daniel Miramant, past exalted ruler and trustee, said.
This event started about 30 years ago when the South Fire District and a few police officers responded to a call during the holiday season.
“We happened to find, went to a family that mother and father were sick with some children, and because they were sick, they couldn't work, and they were having hard times,” James Mastroianni, president of South Fire District Firefighters Local 3918, said.
The family’s story stuck with the crew, weighing heavy on their minds as they got back to the station.
“The police officers came back a little bit later, and they said, 'Geez, that was a pretty tough, tough scene,' seeing the kids and no presents, no tree, very few items in that apartment for like furniture and things of that nature and food,” Mastroianni said.
After that conversation, the police and firefighters used their money to buy them necessities and presents and went back to the family.
“And they told the family, 'This is from us. We want to help make a better, brighter Christmas, but make sure these presents are open at Christmas time for your kids, from Santa. Tell them they're from Santa,'” Mastroianni said.
Since then, the holiday drive has grown into a tradition and helped many families who are in need.
They’re selected by one of the fire district's community partners such as social workers in the school.
Thomas says Ms. Garcia at her daughter’s school called her after hearing of her financial hardships and wanted to help them out.
“I was blown away because it’s hard to really ask for help nowadays,” Thomas said. “At first I was like, ‘No, there’s somebody else probably in more need than me.’ The lady was like, ‘Well, why not you?’ And I was like, ‘Well, you know what, why not me?’ And so we're here today. “
If you would like to donate toys for next year’s Christmas, you can drop them off at the Middletown’s Elks Lodge or the South Fire District.
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Cayla Cade is a reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at ccade@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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