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Firefighters group responds for needy families
‘Christmas at Our House’
Firefighters group responds for needy families
POLAND
In a week, John Walsh and a few other members of the Poland Firemen’s Association will trade their helmets for Santa hats as they deliver food, clothing and other gifts to area residents.
“It’s not to embarrass, it’s to help. If they ask where it’s from, we don’t tell them. We just say it’s from Santa and have a Merry Christmas,” Walsh said.
The association has organized “Christmas at Our House” for a decade. The firefighters work with schools, churches and residents to compile a nomination list of families in need from Poland village and township. Last year, 25 families were helped.
“I almost get choked up with a feeling of joy,” Walsh said. “You can see a sigh of relief when we’re coming through the door.”
Diane Ingold, administrative assistant and first responder for the Western Reserve Joint Fire District, said that only the project’s committee leaders, which is her, Walsh and J.R. Warren, will know the identity of the families.
“Everybody’s got pride, and they’re already hurting,” Ingold said. “They would rather that everyone not know they’re in trouble, and we just want to give them the help that slides them through.”
Ingold added that she knows this feeling firsthand. Many years ago, she and her family had assistance provided after her husband was laid off.
“It was a godsend, but I was also embarrassed because my husband’s pride was a little touched,” she said. “But it got us through an extremely tough time, and I will never forget that. If I have any opportunity to help somebody, I’m going to take it.”
Walsh said the Tamarkin Co. will supply turkeys, and Save-A-Lot in New Castle, Pa., will provide food for the rest of the holiday meal. A local eye doctor and dentist have offered a free exam to children.
Monetary donations will be used to purchase extra food, clothing and children’s gifts. Walsh said it’s become a competitive game among association members to make the donation money stretch as far as possible.
“It’s neighbors helping neighbors,” he said.
The Poland Firemen’s Association is composed of 65 retired and 65 active firefighters who are part of the Western Reserve Joint Fire District. To nominate a family in Poland, call the main fire station at 330-757-8268.
Association members will go shopping, wrap presents and deliver them next Saturday. Donations can be dropped off at the fire station, 111 S. Main St., and checks should be made out to the Poland Firemen’s Association Inc. with “Christmas at Our House” in the memo field. All donations are tax-deductible, and receipts are available upon request.