A combined effort by Gilmer County Fire and Rescue and the Ellijay Fire Department resulted in a record amount of money being donated for this year’s Christmas toy drive benefiting local schoolchildren.
The two public safety agencies teamed up to raise more than $15,000, which will provide Christmas presents for those in need at all three of the county’s elementary schools, confirmed Gilmer Fire Chief Daniel Kauffman.
“We’re really excited to be able to continue this (effort) for the elementary schools this Christmas. We set a goal of $10,000 this year, which we were able to exceed. We’re not (seeking any) recognition. We just want to contribute,” he added.
Biggest year for boot drive
Donations used to purchase presents were raised through a recurring Fill the Boot drive, during which employees of both departments stood outside local shopping centers and collected money from passersby using a rubber firefighter boot.
“They did the (boot drive) on Black Friday at the intersection in front of Walmart and also on the Fourth of July. They started (fundraising) earlier this year, which helped generate some additional revenue,” said Kauffman.
“The citizens of Gilmer County stepped up and contributed and the firefighters put in time and effort standing out there in the hot and cold. We also did a silent auction at our Christmas party that generated a little over $800. There were 22 local merchants who contributed items for that auction.”
Upon the 10th anniversary of the Christmas toy drive last year, Gilmer Fire and Rescue’s Jeff Statham, a longtime participant, explained how the outreach effort started small, then grew into an annual tradition for students at Ellijay Primary (now Clear Creek) Elementary School.
“There was a group of about 20 firemen here who got together and had the idea to start up a Christmas program for kids. It started out with a few families in the community and has grown a lot since then. It’s a joint effort between everybody and we all look forward to it. We don’t list the individual firefighters’ names. We try to keep it quiet because we prefer for the toys to come from the parents or Santa Claus,” Statham said.
This year, the two public safety agencies were able to provide for students at Clear Creek, Mountain View and Ellijay Elementary School.
“This is the first time the two departments have worked together on this and we’re really happy to have been a part of it,” said Mike Dempsey, deputy chief at Ellijay Fire Department.
“It’s a really good program and a humbling experience being able to do something like that for kids in this county. One-hundred percent of what’s collected goes to it and it’s people in the county who make it possible. When we’re out there holding a boot, this is what it’s for.”
Kauffman said there are times when the boots have to be laid down, albeit for good reason.
“They rotate through the (boot drive) days and it’s important to note that we’re taking calls while doing the fundraising. We’re in eyesight of the truck at all times and no trucks are out of service. When a call comes in, we put the boots up and take it, then come back when finished,” he added.
Shopping was done by firefighters and their spouses throughout the year, Kauffman noted. When all complete, everything was delivered to the schools by the first responders.
Although toys for different ages — from dolls and stuffed animals to board games and action figures, were purchased this year — so were everyday essentials like clothing and shoes.
“We felt it was important to provide clothing and shoes, as well as toys. I believe 108 pairs of shoes were bought initially and they will be going back with additional generated revenue to buy more clothes and shoes,” Kaufman said.
‘Overwhelming support’
April Smith, assistant principal at Mountain View Elementary, was pleasantly surprised when finding out the school would receive gifts and clothing for students who need them this Christmas.
“It was amazing to see them come in with all these toys like a (team) of elves. That was great and it helped us put a face with the names,” she said.
“This is a big deal for us and we were kind of surprised (when they called). Of course, we said, ‘yes, we will take care of getting it out.’ This is going to touch so many (families) in our schools. I feel like with this and Shop With a Cop, it’s going to be one of the biggest things ever to have enough (presents) to go around in all the schools. We are so fortunate to live in a community like this where everybody loves our kids. It’s amazing the way they reach out.”
With a restructuring of the county school system following the closing of Gilmer Middle School earlier this year, class sizes have grown by varying degrees at the county’s three elementary schools. Clear Creek and Ellijay Elementary now serve grades pre-K through 5, while Mountain View serves K through 5.
“We went from 490 to 700 from last year to this year. We brought back six classrooms of fifth grade and we built on some rooms, so that helped,” Smith said. “We have a lot of little bitties, but also some (older) kids who wear bigger sizes. We will use some (of the donated clothing) for the clothes closet, but we also have several kids who need clothes (now) so we will have the parents come by and give us sizes.”
Rhonda Brooks, office receptionist at Clear Creek Elementary, and Lauree Pierce, principal at Ellijay Elementary, agreed that the two departments’ expanded reach to local schools this Christmas season is much appreciated.
“They’re just awesome. They contact us through the year to find out what’s needed. This year, along with toys, we also got several pairs of pants, shoes and underwear for our clothes closet. We’re very fortunate that they do such an awesome job. We appreciate everything they do,” said Brooks.
“The support provided by our local firefighters was overwhelming. Ellijay Elementary staff members have been in total awe in regard to the sheer number of items donated and we would like to give a huge thank you to all who contributed to this massive effort. We look forward to being able to fulfill many holiday wishes as we distribute these amazing donations,” said Pierce.
Al Cash, public information officer for Gilmer Fire and Rescue, said participating in the toy drive is a rewarding and poignant experience.
“The firefighters put real thought into their purchases, trying to anticipate not just the fun of toys, but also the real needs of our less fortunate kids. The most heart-warming moments are watching the teachers and school staff holding back their awe and compassion as we arrive at their schools. When the truck doors opened, so did the smiles and tears of joy,” he said.
Smith said it’s important for people in the community to know that, when they see local firefighters holding boots and collecting money well ahead of December, this is why.
“It’s not for something that goes to them. We’re not often thinking about Christmas that early, in June or July, but they are,” she noted.