by Sylene Argent
Essex Fire & Rescue responded to a different kind of call for service on Monday, as many local firefighters volunteered to help the Essex Salvation Army distribute its Christmas Food Hampers to area families facing Economic Hardships.
The Christmas Hampers were distributed from Fire Station 1.
The Essex Salvation Army prepared 81 Christmas Hampers, ranging in size, depending on the needs of the recipient. Each basket was loaded with everything individuals and families need to make a Christmas dinner. The Hampers also included sweet treats and several other meals families can enjoy over the holiday break.
Major Jim Hann of the Essex Salvation Army said the local Church was able to put together the Christmas Hampers, thanks to the generosity of the community members who support its annual Christmas Kettle Campaign.
This was the first-time area firefighters were asked to help distribute the Christmas Hampers. Hann explained the Essex Salvation Army distributed the food items from its parking lot the past two-years, due to the pandemic. He was pleased Essex Fire & Rescue offered to help with the distribution day this year. Utilizing Fire Station 1 provided shelter from the elements to the volunteers and for the food items.
He was appreciative to the firefighters for stepping up to help distribute the Christmas Hampers and to the staff at Essex Foodland, who assembled the food baskets ahead of time.
After picking up a Christmas Hamper, families with youths were able to head down to the Essex Salvation Army Church to shop for toy items their Children would like for Christmas.
Hann said the toy items donated to the Church – including through the annual Santa’s Cause for Kids program – were put on display and volunteers helped parents pick-out items for their children.