As a junior firefighter, Anna Greene, has the desire to help.
“I’ve been a member since about early February,” Greene said. “I decided to follow my dad and join here.”
At only 15, she’s not only learning about saving lives, but also finding ways to give back.
A few weeks ago, at a company meeting, it clicked for the sophomore that something needed to be done for families in need this holiday season.
That’s when Greene started “Stuff the Squad.”
“The department was all for it,” Greene smiled.
This is the first time the Excelsior Fire Department has done something like this and donations have already started pouring in.
“The people in Bellwood are very good people and if they see a need they’ll do it and take care of it,” Chief Dave McCloskey, from the Excelsior Fire Department, said.
The fire department is calling on the community for help.
They’ll be collecting donations, then giving them to churches so they can be handed out to people who may be struggling.
“It kind of helps out in our department by helping get us out there a little bit more to show like ‘hey we’re here, we will help you, we’re more than just firefighters who will come and get you out of your house,'” Greene said.
If you’d like to help with “Stuff the Squad” you can drop off donations any time at the fire department (399 S 1st St, Bellwood). You can also bring items to any of the following dates:
- Sunday, December 3rd at the Excelsior Fire Department following the Christmas Parade
- Sunday, December 10th at Hometown Market 11a.m. – 2pm.
- Sunday, December 17th at Hometown Market 11a.m. – 2p.m.
Items to be collected:
- Socks
- Toys
- Non-perishable foods
- Gloves
- Baby items
- Paper products
All donations will be divided between the Bellwood Council of Churches to be distributed throughout the Bellwood-Antis Community.
