POMPANO BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - The Pompano Beach Fire Rescue Benevolent Christmas Express has brought together over 20 local businesses, the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO), and Pompano Fire Rescue for a grand toy giveaway.
Three U-Haul trucks filled with toys for boys and girls were packed and ready to be delivered on Christmas morning.
This effort is to spread holiday cheer to those who cannot afford to make Christmas happen.
More than 20 businesses in Pompano Beach have joined forces with the BSO and Pompano Fire Rescue to collectively purchase over $20,000 worth of toys for the community.
“This is actually, probably one of our biggest years,” said Kori Christmas with the Pompano Beach Fire Department volunteering in the event. “I’ve actually never had to have three U-Hauls before so, this one here is our overflow this year. So we usually have boys and girls, but this year their been so many donations. We’ve been blessed in so many ways. It’s truly a Christmas miracle.”
“The look on these kids faces, and the parents, let me tell you, for me, it’s the parents and the grandparents and the aunts because they’re watching and you can see they couldn’t give their kids something that we’re blessed enough to help, and it’s amazing,” said Kathy Olivia, a volunteer. “To add one smile again is what it is. That’s why I’m here. That’s why we’re here. This is Christmas, this is Christmas.”
The “Benevolent Association Christmas Express” stands out as a beacon of community unity, demonstrating the power of collaboration and the spirit of giving during the holiday season.
The event started in 1989 with a few deputies and a school teacher who passed out gifts on Christmas day in a station wagon.
“When my dad was running this, I was here from Kindergarten up and now I’m in charge of it,” Christmas said.
For Christmas, firefighting is in here family’s blood.
“As a community, we’re really, really great people in that we’re willing to help each other,” she said.
Residents expressed their gratitude during the event.
“The kids are grateful when I see their faces,” said Henry. “They’re happy because it’s just not getting little toys, they giving out big toys.”
This toy giveaway promises to make Christmas brighter for many, showcasing the collective generosity and goodwill of Pompano Beach residents and businesses alike.
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