BFD helps area underprivileged during Santa Pals Program

Sunday, 06 January 2013 by Grayson Edds

Belton Fire Department’s mascot, Sparky and Santa were both on hand during the distribution date of their Santa Pals Program. The Santa Pals program makes it their business to ensure that the less fortunate children in our community have a chance to experience the joy of Christmas.

The program is sponsored by the Belton Fire Department, headed by Committee Chairman Lee Rivenburg, and supported by volunteers who donate their time to spread a little Christmas cheer.

For families to become a part of the Santa Pals program, they must have registered at the Temple HELP center, located at 2 N. Second St..

The approval process this year included a home visit to ensure the legitamacy of applications received.

The community has always been a benefactor in the program by dropping off toy donations for the children. There were four drop off locations for toys this year, one at Covington Real Estate at 2324 N. Main St. in Belton, Extraco Bank, and either fire station. Toy donations were accepted all the way until Fri., Dec. 21.

Boxes lined the walls of the Fire Department in preparation for cars to come through. Volunteers and employees helped load the cars with Christmas surprises. Last year, the program reached more than a hundred families, and Rivenburg said they anticipate reaching at least as many this year.

Volunteers and BFD distributed toys on Saturday morning.

For more information on Santa Pals or to volunteer to help in the future, contact Lee Rivenburg at (254) 718-5484.

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