On Sunday, December 13, 2020, along with all the Kent County volunteer Fire & EMS organizations, members of the Chestertown VFC supported the Kent County Christmas Basket program. Coordinated by the five county Lions Clubs, which includes Chestertown Lions, Rock Hall Lions, Millington Lions, Galena Lions, and the Betterton-Still Pond Lions, this program provides Christmas week care packages to Kent County families in need.

From a list provided by Social Services and the schools, these care packages are delivered to families, some 500 here in Kent County. Because of their situations, these families require food and material assistance, especially during the holidays. The program also provides age-appropriate toys as Christmas presents to those families with children.

To support the Christmas Basket Program, each fire company, along with the K&QA Rescue Squad, placed a toy collection box in their stations. Members, and the public, were invited to donate and drop off new, unwrapped toys for children of all ages. Today, using our enclosed cargo trailer to collect the toys from around the county, the Chestertown VFC created a convoy of emergency vehicles. Starting here in Chestertown and using our Utility Truck to pull the trailer, it was accompanied by an Engine, the Tanker, and our Command Unit. Bringing up the rear was our Brush Truck, with Santa Claus and Sparky on the back to greet everyone. For the trip between towns, Santa and Sparky retreated to the safety and comfort inside the vehicle.

Leaving Chestertown, we traveled first to Millington, where we stopped at the Community Volunteer Fire Company of Millington. After picking up toys there, we journeyed over to the Galena VFC and loaded their toys into the trailer. Our next stops were the Kennedyville VFC, where we were joined by their Utility 4, and Betterton VFC. Before leaving Betterton, we had a spur of the moment parade through town, blowing sirens to let them know Kris Kringle was in town. Leaving Betterton, we came back to Chestertown and stopped by the K&QA Rescue Squad on Maryland 291 (Chestertown Bypass). After another impromptu parade through Downtown Chestertown, blowing sirens to announce Santa’s visit, we then drove to the Rock Hall VFC, where we collected their toys. Before leaving Rock Hall, we again paraded down Main Street, then turned up Sharp Street, blowing sirens to announce Santa Claus’s presence.

With all toys duly collected, we then journeyed to the Kent County Community & Rec Center in Worton. There, the toys were delivered in style where volunteers will assemble care packages for those families in need.

Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, financial contributions are desperately needed to support the Kent County Christmas Basket Program. The program is a 501(c)(3) charity, so contributions are tax deductible. Donations may be sent…

Kent County Christmas Basket Program

c/o Robyn Moore

Treasurer

11536 Chesterville Road

Kennedyville, MD 21645

The officers and members of the Chestertown VFC extend an incredibly special thank you to everyone who donated to this toy drive. Through your generosity, there are now children who will find something under the tree Christmas morning, where before that possibility was bleak.

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to all!