Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Every kid wants to go to Disney, and ride a fire truck
A universal dream for children involves climbing aboard a fire truck and visiting Disney World.
So, imagine the thrill for a child who rides a fire truck to the Trenton-Mercer Airport, boards a chartered jet to Orlando then ends up in Disney World.
Fairytales can come true, it could happen to you ....
Actually, Myles Days, a five-year-old boy, will experience thrills of a lifetime on Tuesday as a guest for the Sunshine Foundation Mercer County Chapter’s Dreamlift event.
Union Fire Company & Rescue Squad of Titusville provides an extra smidgen of magic for a fun-filled day at Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom as Days and his parents receive a special fire truck transport.
“The opportunity to travel to Disney is a fantastic experience for young people. We wanted to make this day extra special with a ride in the fire truck,” Jodi Odonnell-Ames, auxiliary member and recruiter for the organization, said.
Station 53 & Squad 153, located in Titusville/Washington’s Crossing, NJ on the Delaware River, added this fire truck trip six years ago.
The group will sponsor Days and a second guest whose parents requested anonymity.
Approximately 100 chronically ill, seriously ill, challenged and abused children will make the same-day, down and back trip to Disney.
Volunteers serve refreshments and snacks in flight while chaperones attend to all needs.
Upon arrival, Sunshine Foundation Mercer County Chapter guests receive entry into Disney World and a lunch voucher.
The Mercer County chapter covers all expenses as public and private sector donations, plus, an all-volunteer staff makes possible this Dreamlift excursion.
Pennington-Ewing Athletic Club (PEAC) hosts an annual fundraiser and the Delaware Valley Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame hosts a Sunshine Football Classic game which provides significant contributions.
Sponsorship for one guest costs approximately $375.
Sunshine Foundation Mercer County Chapter President Cathy DiCostanzo praised supporters.
“Those events and others are appreciated,” DiCostanzo said.
“I always make the point that our organization receives support from corporations and households. Every donation matters. Pennies stack up.”
Union Fire Company Chief Bryan Malkiewicz encourages all members to attend the sendoff.
“You should see the faces of these children and our members. It’s an amazing ride to the airport. It’s our way of giving back to the community,” Malkiewicz said.
Union Fire & Rescue own a history of philanthropy through volunteerism as it prepares for a century celebration in 2020.
Second and third generations of families have provided fire, medical, and marine services for people in and around Hopewell Township 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year for any type of call.
“With more then 30 members dedicating their own time, we are able to meet the needs of our community both in emergency situations and through community interaction,” Malkiewicz said.