Firefighters and police officers in East Ridge are asking citizens for monetary donations and new toys to provide holiday cheer to disadvantaged children.
Donations are now being accepted for the “East Ridge Needy Child Fund” at the Fire and Police Service Center located at 4214 Ringgold Road and Fire and Police Station 2 on Camp Jordan Parkway. Donations for the East Ridge Needy Child Fund are also being accepted during normal business hours at Tips, Toes, and Tans, 5716 Ringgold Road; Magoo’s Restaurant, 3658 Ringgold Road; and East Ridge Revitalization Office, 3756 Ringgold Road.
“This time of year can be a real heartache for families unable to purchase gifts for their children,” said East Ridge Mayor Mike Steele. “With support from the community, we were able to provide gifts to more than 160 children last year. Families hit by the recent floods in East Ridge are going to have an even harder time providing Christmas gifts for their children this year, so we’re reaching out again to ask for support from the community as we work to serve a larger group of those in need.”
The East Ridge Needy Child Fund, which is operated by volunteers, delivers the gifts in police cars and fire trucks the weekend before Christmas to families in need in a “Santa Train.”
Toys preferred for the East Ridge Needy Child Fund are for ages up to 13.
Needy Child Fund applications will be accepted through Dec. 12. Applications are available at the Fire and Police Rescue Service Center, 4214 Ringgold Road; applications are open to all citizens of East Ridge based on need and case. Applicants are screened and investigated through a clearing house to ensure they are not helped by multiple agencies. Copies of income tax, social security and other documents verifying residence, income and number of children living in the home are required.
For more information on the Needy Child Fund, please contact Commander Mike Williams at 867-7100.