Toy drive stirs giving spirit

By NOELLE FRAMPTON
Staff writer
ConnPost Updated: 11/20/2008 10:06:59 PM EST

Christian Abraham/Staff photographer From left, Milford Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr., Santa Claus (James Bartow), and firefighters Jason Hall and Brian Colwell open the Toys for Tots drive.

MILFORD -- Santa Claus visited City Hall on Wednesday, as firefighters announced the kickoff of their annual citywide Toys for Tots drive.

Each year, when the holidays roll around, the Milford Professional Firefighters Association gathers a plethora of dolls, games, sports equipment, legos, puzzles and more for needy city children.

The Toys for Tots program here started 43 years ago "with a couple fellas fixing bicycles for kids" and bloomed into an effort that fills the gymnasium of the Margaret Egan Center, 35 Matthew St., with gifts for babies and kids up to 12, said firefighter Jason Hall.

Hall is organizing the program with fellow firefighters Brian Colwell, Jack Geary and Mike Geanacopoulos. He said they won't be surprised if hard economic times mean more families in need this year.

Colwell said virtually the entire Fire Department participates, and every firetruck is used to gather gifts. "You get a lot out of it," he said.

Firefighters will spend Dec. 18-19 setting up at the center, in preparation for distribution day on

Dec. 20, when parents arrive to pick out presents.

"It's amazing," said Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr. "It's like a department store. Anything that a kid would want."

Some families wouldn't have presents under the tree if it weren't for the generosity of others, the mayor said."Sometimes, we take for granted that people are OK, but there are people, especially in this economy that need some help," he said.

"I've talked to families that have been helped in the past and, you know, their gratitude is just overwhelming," the mayor said.

Any person or agency may call 874-6783 after Nov. 30 to recommend a family in need. Proof of city residency is required to be eligible for gifts.

To help New, unwrapped toys can be dropped off at any Milford fire station or monetary donations can be sent a check to Toys for Tots, Station 7, 55 Wheeler's Farms Road, Milford, CT 06461.