According to 11Alive News, for the 54th year in a row, Fire Station 16 — a historic fire station on Joseph E. Boone Boulevard NW in Atlanta — is holding its annual holiday party to meet members of the community and hand out gifts to those in need.
“Outside of seeing them in an emergency we want to see them in a happier setting and just give,” said Tyler Nelson of the Progressive Firefighters Association of Atlanta.
Mom Danielle Neptune says the annual giveback makes a difference.
“Helping out the community and seeing the kids. It’s a great impact, and it shows the kids someone cares for them,” Neptune said.
The fire department is helping 400 children during the holiday party this year. Each child will get something to put under their Christmas tree.
“Car games, board games, toys, action figures, school supplies, bicycles, and scooters,” Nelson said, describing gifts that will be given away.
The decades-old tradition was started by the first group of Black firefighters to integrate the Atlanta Fire Department.
Watch the clip below:
