An approaching, Wednesday night snowstorm sent Morrison Fire Department personnel into early “toy delivery mode,” on Tuesday, December 20, 2022. Two teams of celebrated participants needed to deliver bags of toys on the next day, to 104 children, at 52 homes in town and outside Morrison, IL, City limits. Last year 34 stops were made to deliver gifts to only 76 kids.
At 6:00 Tuesday, eight boys and one girl from local Cub Scout Pack 328 helped adults wrap loads of gifts. Earlier, the public had contributed items and money for purchases, during the MFD drive-through toy drop-off. In preparation for wrapping night, toy stations had been created and labeled by appropriate age ranges. Scouts enjoyed choosing items for specific gift bags.
On Wednesday, December 21, phone calls were attempted to remind parents that Santa, Mrs. Claus, and/or one ever-helpful Elf would arrive between 5:00 and 7:30 p.m. that night. The Clauses wore new attire to this annual event.
Ashley and Fireman Tony Belha rode in Engine 4. In town, Jamie White followed that vehicle in his pickup truck, pulling a trailer of gifts. Chief Brian Johnson assisted. Each year two bicycles are donated.
Retired Firefighter Kent Sheperd and daughter Jamie Munther rode in Engine 3, driven by Fireman Boone Brackemyer with wife, Shelly. They would visited homes outside of town. Fireman Rob Hudson follows Engine 3 in his pickup and “feeds the engine with toys. It’s a smooth system.”
Scores of caring individuals were on board with this “Caring for Our Community” annual toy initiative. One member stated their is the only toy event where Santa, Mrs. Claus, and an Elf bring children toys, while riding in a fire engine. The Fire Department spread Christmas joy throughout Morrison.
Left-to-right are Kent Sheperd; Jon Heusinkveld; Shelly and Boone Brackemyer; Chief Brian Johnson; Barb and Toby King; Elf Jamie Munther; behind, Jamie White; Rob Hudson; Chad Hudson.
