Firefighters, St. Mary’s make Christmas joyful for community
Vacaville Firefighters Association and their families distributed toys to the needy while St. Mary's Food Locker passed out food
Santa’s toyland came to Vacaville Saturday and his elves wore turnouts.
Such wa s the scene of merriment behind St. Mary’s Catholic Church, as about 20 off- duty Vacaville firefighters and their families — the youngest member just about a month old — gathered for the annual Vacaville Firefighters Association Toy Drive.
With the aid of community members, large rubber tubs overflowed with plush animals, cars and trucks of all sizes, dolls, NERF guns, board games, puzzles, books and more, all for the community’s children in need. Nearby, bicycles, scooters, tricycles and skateboards also waited to be gifted.
As bell ringers played, long lines of vehicles that stretched into the streets pulled forward, told firefighters the gender and ages of their children and waited for their trunks and back seats to be filled with gifts.
One woman asked for books for her 2-year- old grandson, explaining that he’s autistic and a love of books keeps him engaged.
“Thank you so much,” she said while driving off. “Merry Christmas!”
Firefighter Dave Wonnell, who has organized the event for the past five years, called the event a blessing. St. Mary’s Catholic Church officials have the sign-ups down to a science, he said, so volunteers just need clients to drive up and alert them to what they need.
“They do all the hard work,” he emphasized, adding that clients also received food from St. Mary’s Food Locker as they exited.
Wonnell said he was inspired by all of the giving that made the event possible, as COVID-19 has made such a mess of the year and led to financial uncertainty for many.
“This year has been the most generous year for the public that I;d ever seen,” he continued, adding that they received about $5,000 in gift cards along with an
abundance of toys.
The event, he advised, means so much to the firefighters, as it’s one of the many ways they give back.
“This is one of our most fun traditions,” he pointed out
Capt. Matt Moreno agreed.
It’s a time when the families get together and everyone pitches in, including the kids, he said, adding that the young ones get to learn about giving, about people being in need.
“It’s just a great value to pass on to them,” Moreno said.
“It’s really neat,” Wonnell chimed in. “You just see it spark that volunteerism in our kids.”
Chief Kris Concepcion said there was a huge need this year, due to the pandemic, and he was pleased that so many came together to make the season joyful for all.
“It’s great to see that once again the firefighters stepped up, the community stepped up,” he said. “That stands for what Vacaville is all about. It’s just a great community.”