The Springdale Fire Department had a different kind of call Thursday (Dec. 19). They didn't put out fires or help an injured person. Instead they packed bags with toys and headed to the Pat Walker Center for Children in Lowell.
"We see the worst usually, seeing this is one time a year makes it worth the other 364 days, hands down," said Dustin McDonald, Springdale firefighter and paramedic.
McDonald said this is their second year to take toys and this time around they donated 130. The toys were donated by the Springdale Fire Department and the Springdale Firefighter Union 3007.
"There's no other way to describe it," McDonald said. "They are excited, they are happy, everybody loves the fire trucks."
Lance Johnson, a family engagement coordinator for the center, said community partners helps low income families in the area during the holidays.
"This is a great thing for our kids because a lot of these families maybe don't have the extra funds to provide gifts for their family at Christmas," Johnson said.
Johnson said he enjoys watching the kids interact with the firefighters.
"Whenever they get to see something like a fire engine or Santa Claus, it really lights up their face and then to get the gift at the end after looking at the fire truck is a really great thing," Johnson said.
McDonald said he wants his fellow firefighters to take away the good it does to others less fortunate.
"We got into this job for this reason to help out, this is the reward for it," McDonald said.
McDonald said next year they hope to double the amount of toys they donate.