Operation North Pole Has Commenced

For the last 20 years, members of the Trenton Fire Department have been keeping the holidays bright for their neighbors. And this season was no different.   

On Christmas Eve, former deputy chief John Masserant will dress up as Santa Clause, stuff a fire truck full of presents and deliver them to needy families in the city. His two daughters, Megan and Jennette will join him as the elves. 

These families have fallen on hard times, Jeff Evans, Trenton fire chief, said. "Whether it's bills, unemployment or an unexpected illness, they reach out to us and we do the best we can to reach back."

The city provides the department with a “wish list” of items, which are written on tags that hang on the station’s Christmas tree, firefighter John Kalisz said. 

"Each firefighter grabs at least one,” he said. “And we have 31 firefighters, so we’re looking upwards of 40 presents this year.” 

That's not including all the toys the department raised in the Toys for Tots program this season.

“We filled up a whole office full of toys. I couldn’t even tell you how many. It’s over 100,” Kalisz said.  

Toys for Tots Foundation, an IRS recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity was created at the behest of the Marine Corps and provides toys for economically disadvantaged children during the holidays.  

Donation boxes were setup at each station. The toys were picked up Dec. 11 and will be redistributed by Christmas. 

Former Marine Ryan Long spearheaded the event in 2013 as a way to pay homage to the service and community he serves.  

"We got at it a little late as far as getting the word out, but towards the end it really picked up," the firefighter said. "With the generous donations and the support of the community we had much more than two boxes full." 

Next year, it has the potential to become an even bigger success, Long said.

“We’ll get the word out so we can assure no child goes without a Christmas.”  

For more information check out the Facebook page here.

andrew.thurlow@patch.com