MONTICELLO — The Monticello Fire Department held their yearly holiday toy drive on December 4. Contributed clothing and toys were sorted and wrapped at the firehall in support of the 1st Way Life Center, a motherhood and prenatal care center based in Monticello.

The drive is providing support for 48 individuals and 15 families, with expected growth still to come as donations are being accepted until December 17.

The funds were raised by the fire department and professional firefighters who were assisted by Delaware River Solar.

The Monticello Fire Department asked the 1st Way Life Center, which helps moms, expectant mothers and their families year-round, to be their beneficiary for this year’s toy drive. It is situated at 481 Broadway, Suite 3, Monticello.

Forty-eight kids, ages 18 to as young as newborns, will receive brand-new toys and clothes for the holidays as a result of their kindness.

“It’s a very nice thing that they’ve done for us,” said Annette Rein, leader of 1st Way Life Center, “[it’s] very, very generous.”

“[For] so many years, the generosity of the Monticello Fire Department has created a special spirit of Christmas for the children in our community.”

Mother and Daughter duo Karen and Chris Kilgore purchased and organized the donated goods for the Holiday Drive.

“Karen Kilgore puts her heart into each of the gifts and shows very unique love for each child,” said Rein. “Thank you to ladies auxiliary, and the Monticello Fire Department [who] spread joy.”

“We would like to thank the members of the Monticello Fire Department and Auxiliary, the Paid Firefighters Union, local business and community members who donated to make this drive so successful,” said Chris Kilgore. “We appreciate the support that you constantly give for our local community.”

Following the event, the donations, with the help of the ladies auxiliary, were carefully packaged and transported to 1st Way Life Center.

If you would like to make a monetary donation, you can do so via Venmo to the Monticello Fire Department @mfd22. If you would like to make a gift donation, you can drop it off at the Monticello Fire Department located at 23 Richardson Ave.