Three of the main players assisting the fire department with Toys for Tots this year are Hollie Beaulieu, Angela Poitras, and Bernadette Opthof. Beaulieu and Poitras both have husband who are volunteer fire fighters, and Opthof has work for the Limestone School Department for the past 33 years.
“There are so many kids in need,” the three expressed almost unanimously when asked ‘why Toys for Tots?’ Currently, they plan on obtaining gifts for 75 to 100 area children.
Making sure that no child goes without on Christmas is a very personal goal for Opthof.
“Growing up,” she said, “my folks used to write to the Salvation Army and the Boston Globe, and that’s how we got Christmas gifts; I promised when I was young that if I had a chance to help someone in one way or another, I would. I’ve been helping with Toys for Tots for quite a few years,” she added.
Though this is the first year Beaulieu and Poitras have been heavily involved with Toys for Tots, they both anticipate helping again next season.
“I know that next year I’ll be helping,” Poitras said, “It’s a lot of work, but it’s very rewarding.”
“The Knights of Columbus used to oversee Toys for Tots in this area,” said Opthof, “but the individual who primarily ran the program can no longer participate, so the fire department decided to continue the program.”
“We’ve gotten lots of support from area businesses and individuals with both monetary donations and toys” Beaulieu said, “We’ll take anything that anyone wants to give us.”
“If we get more than we need for a certain year, we have storage,” Poitras added, “we began this year with previously donated toys, and that’s always a great thing to start with; there’s never too much for the kids that are in need.”
“If there’s anything we’re lacking, it’s gifts for area students in middle school and high school,” said Opthof, “some families have a young child as well as a teenager; we want to make sure that every child in that situation gets something.”
Possible donation for older youths and teens include CD’S, CD players, gift cards, and clothing.
“We’ve been asking more for new toys,” said Poitras, “but we won’t turn anything away.”
“It’s always better to give than receive,” said Opthof, “that’s what we call giving from the heart, and that’s what Christmas is about.”
“On average, we probably have about 40 people putting in around 15 hours each,” said Fire Chief Paul Durepo. Though the fire fighters have already put forth a lot of time and effort into Toys for Tots, they’re already starting to think about more ways they can raise money for the cause next year.
“It’s excellent that they’re so committed to their community,” said Beaulieu, “You really can’t ask for much more from them. They go above and beyond.”
Limestone Volunteer Fire Department rescues Christmas for local youths with Toys for Tots
LIMESTONE, Maine — As if volunteering their services for the good of the community weren’t enough, the Volunteer Fire Department of Limestone has been participating with Toys for Tots this season to make sure that every child in Limestone and Caswell has a special Christmas.
