Looking back at the December 2022 events that gave Lafayette and Witmer fire companies opportunities to give away 6,000 toys between them, Suzi Sutton, who volunteers with both organizations, pointed out that the distribution benefits the community and the 100% volunteer fire stations. "The exciting part is building awareness around our volunteer fire (companies) and in our community and being able to give joy," she said.

Witmer Fire Protective Association, 455 Mount Sidney Road, Witmer, held its third Milk and Cookies With Santa on Dec. 3. Lafayette Fire Company, 63 Lafayette Way, Lancaster, set up at Tanger Outlets on Dec. 10 and toured its coverage area with Santa aboard a company truck.

The toy distribution came about through a partnership with The First Responders Children's Foundation Toy Express, an organization founded to bring toys to the children of first responders killed in the 9/11 attacks. The organization later expanded its mission to bring happiness to children in 150 cities. The organizations joined up due to Chris Pautler, who had previously served in a college internship with Lancaster EMS and who was connected to Lafayette when the fire company partnered with Lancaster EMS to take part in the Extra Give. After Pautler graduated from Millersville University, he went to work for Toy Express as a key creative marketing staff member. Pautler and Toy Express CEO and president Jillian Crane both attended the Lafayette distribution. Crane rode on Lafayette's out-of-service truck and visited the Tanger giveaway. "(Toy Express representatives) jumped in and were hands-on," reported Sutton, who added that the visitors were able to see the Country Club Apartments and Oaks community locations that day.

To promote the events to families in the community, Sutton said the organizations connected with Community Action Partnership of Lancaster County, Power Packs Project, and Conestoga Valley School District for help raising awareness. "We networked with nonprofits ... to make it successful," she said, adding that Lafayette serves a diverse area along the Route 30 corridor. "We wanted to promote this for everyone, including tourists (who) are part of our call volume."

Sutton said Lafayette was pleased to have community helpers take part in the distribution along with active fire crew members. She sees the effort as a win-win. "It's how we build community bonds and relationships that will help sustain us," she said.

More information about Witmer Fire Protective may be found at http://www.witmerfire.com. Readers who would like to learn more about Lafayette Fire Company, named for the Revolutionary War general who lined his troops up along the trail that is now Route 30, may visit http://www.lafayettefire.com.