By Paula Brewer
Special to the Aroostook Republican
Every year since at least the 1940s, the Caribou Fire and Ambulance Toy Project has helped make the holidays a little brighter for some local children by collecting toys to be distributed as gifts. This year is no exception, and contributions have been coming from businesses and individuals alike.
Mike Divito of Caribou Fire and Ambulance, chairman of the toy project, explained it operates the same way as Toys for Tots, which is sponsored by the U.S. Marine Corps. “We wanted something similar for the Caribou area,” Divito said. He praised the local community for being behind the effort all the way. “It’s just extraordinary support that we get from them,” he said. “It’s great to see year after year that dedication, from local businesses to citizens who give us toys or write us checks.”
The fire department is handling the toy distribution a little differently this year, Divito said. In the past, personnel have delivered the toys themselves on the Saturday before Christmas; this year, recipients will come to get the items.
“This year we are going to try something different,” he explained. “They are actually going to come to us this Saturday and Sunday, from 8-5.” Recipients, who have already signed up for the distribution, will give personnel their information and receive their bag of toys to take home and wrap.
Divito made particular note that there is a young girl from Connor who is coming down to donate time this weekend to help organize toys for recipients, something she likes to help with every year. “It’s moving when you have young kids come to be involved in something like this, and understand the meaning behind it,” he said.
“We appreciate all the support that everyone gives us and are very grateful,” he added, noting that all proceeds from department shows and fundraisers are used to support the toy project, as well as Learn Not to Burn and other efforts. “Everything that we do is in our city and towns that our fire and ambulance service supports, so it all stays here.”
