Community Corner

Dearborn Firefighters Bring Presents and Joy to Local Children

Dozens of firefighters, along with local students and supporters, spent all day on Friday delivering Christmas presents to kids in need.

The Dearborn Fire Department spent all day last Friday bringing presents to children in need at local care centers and hospitals. 

"The Toy Run’s been going on over 30 years and we do this every year," said Capt. Steve Worden, who coordinates the annual Burn Drive Toy Run. "We raise money all year long to help people, and we spend the bulk of our money at Christmas time."

In this year's Toy Run, the Fire Department was able to bring presents to kids at Oakwood Hospital's Center for Exceptional Families in Dearborn, the Ronald McDonald House in Detroit, the University of Michigan Burn Center in Ann Arbor, and the Penrickton Center for Blind Children in Taylor.

They were joined by many local students and supporters, as well as Santa Claus himself and the Fire Department's mascot, Sparky, to help give out all the toys.

"The firefighters have been helping us out for at least the last five years," said Tammy Morris, clinical program manager at the Center for Exceptional Families, which treats kids with multiple, complex and physical disabilities. "Our families in all really have grown to rely on it, and quite honestly, between the extra diapers and formula and medical co-pays and therapy equipment and seating equipment, and expensive respite care...they don’t have a lot of extra money for holiday gifts."

The Dearborn Fire Department has raised approximately $55,000 through the Burn Drive this year, Worden said.

"We spent every dime of that helping people," he said.

Learn more about the Dearborn Firefighters Burn Drive on their website.


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