Moose collects toys for CCFD drive
Usually when the Cape Coral Fire Department goes anywhere, it’s to put out a fire or respond to a medical call.
Monday, the CCFD was at the Caloosahatchee Moose Lodge 2395 on Cape Coral Parkway, but it was for a another reason.
The truck came to pick up goodies the lodge had collected for the department’s annual toy drive, which will give kids an opportunity to get toys and gifts where they ordinarily wouldn’t get any.
Sherry Crawford, secretary/ treasurer for the Women of the Moose, Chapter 1984, said the men and women collected a carload of toys, with another box inside the Moose Lodge.
It’s what they have done since Crawford got the program started in 2009.
“I saw it on Facebook and asked the men and the women to donate. I few of us went shopping and the members have brought in toys and put them in the toybox,” Crawford said.
Sam Holmes, administrator of the Moose, said the response from the nearly 650 strong has been great. Many have made donations, and the bartenders have also collected cash.
“It’s great people are learning about how we serve the community. We do a lot and Sherry has been doing this for several years for our local kids,” Sam said. “These toys aren’t going to Miami.”
Jeff Holmes, governor, said considering things got going a little late, they made up for lost time.
“This is a great event for the kids with the members donating all kinds of toys. We’ve been doing this since Thanksgiving,” Jeff said. “We hope this continues to grow every year. We got started at the last minute this year.”
When the truck arrived, the members placed all the toys to the front of the truck for a phot op before placing them in the firetruck.
Andrea Schuch, CCFD spokesperson, said the toys will go toward their annual toy drive, thanks to the generosity of local charities and individuals.
“The police have Shop with a Cop, so this is our way to contribute to the community during the holidays,” Schuch said. “The community has been extremely generous this year. It’s heartwarming.”
Schuch said last year they collected about 750 toys and this year is looking to raise 1,000. The CCFD also picks up toys at Burnt Store Marina.
“There are still a lot of people in this community in need, so it’s nice for those who are able to help to do so,” Schuch said. “It’s appreciated by us.”