With record lay-offs, home foreclosures and many families turning to public assistance; 2010 has been tough for many in our community. But true to form, the Kent Fire Department comes to the rescue once again. The Kent Fire Department has for many years now organized the Toys for Joy program that collects, wraps and gives out toys to disadvantaged children in the Kent community. This year the program is needed more than ever. However, it looked as if the Grinch might have his way with the holiday program.

Due to a drastic reduction in donations this year, the Kent Fire Department was forced to cancel one of its three wrapping parties. The number of donated toys has suffered this year undoubtedly because of the sluggish economic conditions faced by our community. The resilient Kent/Covington community didn’t let the challenging circumstances get them down. Boys and Girl Scout troops, soccer clubs, youth groups, neighborhood groups, grandparents, parents and children all came together to do something for strangers asking nothing in return. The final wrapping party saw an enormous outpouring of public support.

Among the volunteers, Mattson Middle School staff members were in attendance. Better than a dozen teachers, para-educators and administrators came out to show their support and lend a hand. The Toys for Joy program is but one community service project that the Mattson staff has taken on this year in an effort to give back to the community.

“We’re always looking for ways to creatively partner with our community and this was right up our ally,” assistant principal Judy Believeau said.

Fire department officials reflected that they couldn’t recall a bigger turn out. Several hundred volunteers from every corner of the community came out. Those participating wrapped several thousand toys for kids who would otherwise receive no gifts during this holiday season. The sound of Christmas carols, the smell of cocoa and spiced cider and the spirit of the season filled the fire house. Every face was aglow with radiant smiles, shining eyes and joyous laughter. It was truly a spectacle to behold.

The food bank is always accepting donations of nonperishable and canned food items. Monetary donations are also gratefully accepted and are tax deductible. This year the volunteers who participated in Toys for Joy received far more than they gave. The true spirit of the holidays is the gift that one receives when we do for others, what they can’t do for themselves.

DeWayne Lindh

Teacher, Mattson Middle