A SIERRA VISTA TRADITION

With so many wonderful traditions in Sierra Vista this is one of our favorites. Every year K101, KWCD and Thunder 98.1 partner with the Sierra Vista Firefighters with one goal: to spread joy to the kids right here in our community.

Rebecca and Grady interviewing Fire Marshal Don Foster. Image Credit: Val Davidson/TSM
Rebecca and Grady interviewing Fire Marshal Don Foster. Image Credit: Val Davidson/TSM
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For more than 50 years, Sierra Vista Fire and Medical Services have worked with individuals, businesses, and local organizations around town to ensure kids in need have something to unwrap for Christmas.

Michelle Knodle in the little Fire Truck. Image Credit: Val Davidson/TSM
Michelle Knodle in the little Fire Truck. Image Credit: Val Davidson/TSM
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HOW THE SPARK WAS LIT

A few years ago, we spoke with one of the founders of the Sierra Vista Firefighter Toy drive, retired Fire Marshal Paul Cimino. Paul shared, “One year I had to visit a local home around the holidays for a minor emergency. When I entered the home, I realized they had nothing to give their children for Christmas.” So, Paul enlisted the help of a small group of Sierra Vista firefighters and went shopping. They did what they could together to bring the kids a few modest gifts.

That one act of kindness lit the spark, as they say, and a mission was born - to help families in need during the holidays.

The Firefighters and the folks from Stan Greer Millworks as they drop of a TRUCKLOAD of unwrapped toys! Image Credit: Val Davidson/TSM
The Firefighters and the folks from Stan Greer Millworks as they drop of a TRUCKLOAD of unwrapped toys! Image Credit: Val Davidson/TSM
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HOW YOU CAN HELP

It’s easy! Just bring a new, unwrapped toy – or toys – and drop them off on Wednesdays in the Schlotzsky's/Ace Hardware parking lot throughout the holiday season. We’ll be broadcasting live on this station November 30th, December 7th, and December 14th from 4 to 6pm.

Don’t have time to go shopping? The firefighters are happy to do that for you! Just drop off gift cards or cash and they’ll find toys to “fill the gaps” where there are not enough donations – to ensure every kid who registers gets a little something under the tree.

Filling the truck with new, unwrapped Toys. Image Credit: Val Davidson/TSM
Filling the truck with new, unwrapped Toys.
Image Credit: Val Davidson/TSM
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YOU DON’T EVEN NEED TO GET OUT OF YOUR CAR!

Just drive up to the corner of Highway 92 and Fry Boulevard in the Schlotzsky’s/Ace Hardware parking lot from 4pm to 6pm on any Wednesday through December 14th, and the firefighters will help unload the toys from your car, drive-thru style. Or stay and visit with us, enjoy some hot cocoa, and share the holiday spirit as we work together to make a brighter holiday for kids in Sierra Vista!

If you can’t make it on Wednesdays, you may drop off donations at any Sierra Vista fire station until Sunday December 18th.

Val and Rebecca at the top of the ladder truck. Image Credit: Val Davidson/TSM
Val and Rebecca at the top of the ladder truck. Image Credit: Val Davidson/TSM
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MORE INFORMATION

For more information on how to help or how to volunteer, contact Don Foster at (520) 417-4400. If you’d like to apply for assistance, click here to learn more.

Special thanks to Sulfur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative and Canyon Vista Medical Center for making our live broadcast possible!

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