When a group of Deerfield Township firefighters went to North Carolina in October to help in search and recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene hit the state, they met and created bonds with the people they met in Avery County.
Seeing the devastation of the hurricane, they became fast friends with local firefighters in the communities that were leveled by the powerful storm.
Deerfield Township Firefighter Tiffany Pickler said what they witnessed was both overwhelming and devastating, leaving an impression on all who took the trip to help the victims.
Now, Pickler and other Deerfield Township firefighters are hoping to make the holidays a little brighter for the people in Avery County who lost everything, and help them by giving them hope.
Deerfield Township firefighters decided to collect new, unwrapped toys, household items, essentials and Christmas decorations for those in need in the hurricane ravaged areas of North Carolina.
They have one more event before they will take the items south, to Frank, N.C.
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- Saluda (SC) Mourns Firefighters Killed by Helene, County’s First To Lose Lives in Line of Duty
Community members are invited to participate in giving back to the hurricane victims at the “Pack the Trailer” toy drive Saturday at the Deerfield Township Hall, 3032 S. Winn Road, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Donations of new, unopened toys for the children of Frank are being accepted, Pickler said, adding that they are collecting toys for children of all ages.
Children’s gift ideas include art supplies, Legos, soccer balls, basketballs, Play Doh and board games.
Items being collected to give to families for the holidays include Christmas lights, ornaments, wrapping paper, holiday decor, gift bags and tags, and tape, Pickler said.
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