Winter-2022

Firefighters Vince Lombardi and Raul Pantoja posing with toys collected by volun - teers for the Monterey Firefighters Community Foundation Christmas toy drive. Photo: Amy Hubert L ate each November, Casanova Oak Knoll Neighborhood Association (CONA) President Richard Ruccello contacts association members, North Fremont businesses and the Monterey County Fairgrounds. By mid-De- cember, CONA neighbors are dropping off gift cards and toys—a truckload or more, most years—for the annual Monterey Firefighters Community Foundation toy drive. “Everybody is so generous with their time and money, and it all helps children,” Ruccello says. “The firefighters are the real heroes. We are just helpers.” The Monterey Fire Department has collected toys for more than 25 years. After accepting donations at six stations and several local busi- nesses, the foundation hosts a December wrap party at the Monterey High School gym. More than 100 volunteers typically wrap gifts for 75 families in need. “That works out to about 120 kids, and volunteers pick about 10 presents per kid,” says Amy Hubert, a Monterey firefighter and the foundation’s program coordinator. Santa then hosts a fire station pickup party. “These kids are not expecting anything for Christmas. Seeing their faces light up makes all the work worth it,” Hubert says. “The wrap party will blow you away,” adds Ruccello. “If you don’t already feel like Christmas, I guarantee you will afterwards.” To donate or volunteer, visit theMonterey Firefight- ersCommunityFoundationonFacebook, Instagramor at www.montereyfirefighterfoundation.org. Long-Running Toy Dr ive Br ightens Local Families’ Holidays B Y R ENE E B R I NCK S SHORT CUTS GIVING BACK 84 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 2 2