Children across the city have something to be thankful for this holiday season thanks to Capt. Rick Shea and the New Bedford Firefighters who distributed an estimated 2,000 toys to families in need with the help of United Way of Greater New Bedford
In all, nearly 1,500 toys were donated to help children throughout the city as well as $1,500 that went to purchase additional toys. Donations of new toys, books, movie passes and stuffed animals were collected throughout the city at all fire stations, as well as Ashley Ford, New Bedford Housing Authority, Star Oil, New Bedford Credit Union and Lowe’s.
“On behalf of all of the organizations receiving toys, we can’t thank the firefighters enough for their tireless effort and dedication to this project,” says Michelle Hantman, United Way President. “We are in our 13th year of this partnership which continues to help thousands of kids in Greater New Bedford.
Organizations that received toys from the drive include PACE, New Bedford Community Connections Coalition, HarbOur House, NorthStar Learning Center, Immigrants’ Assistance Center, YWCA of Southeastern Massachusetts, Greater New Bedford Women’s Center, Schwartz Center for Children, Donovan House, South Central/ South First Street Neighborhood Association, and Kennedy Donovan Center.
