Gloucester Firefighters Union Partners with Wellspring House for Annual Holiday Toy Drive

GLOUCESTER — Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken and Fire Chief Eric Smith are pleased to share their support for the the Gloucester Firefighters Union as they announce their 7th annual toy drive for the Wellspring House’s Holiday Shop this year.

A nonprofit organization located in Gloucester, Wellspring House offers temporary shelter for families in need, and works with residents on homelessness prevention, emergency shelter placement and securing long-term housing.

“The annual toy drive is a wonderful way for the department and the community to come together and help bring joy to local children and families through Wellspring House’s Holiday Shop,” Chief Smith said. “Thank you to everyone who has supported this toy drive in the past. I’d also like to recognize Firefighter Dean DeCoste, of the Gloucester Firefighters Union, who is leading this initiative.”

Every year, Wellspring sponsors a donor-driven holiday store to help low-income families provide gifts for their children. This year, the holiday store will be held on Dec. 7 and 8.

“We’re so thankful to the city for supporting this initiative,” Firefighter DeCoste said. “By supporting Wellspring House’s Holiday Shop, we can make a difference during the holidays that directly impacts members of our community. The toy drive is our way of giving back and spreading positivity.”

The Gloucester Fire Department is accepting donations of new and unwrapped gifts at its headquarters at 8 School St., and will continue to accept toy drive donations until Dec. 5.

“The Wellspring House does wonderful work to support members of our community in various circumstances and situations of need year round, and their Holiday Shop is a special initiative that helps families and children to celebrate the holidays,” Mayor Romeo Theken said. “The Gloucester Firefighters Union works incredibly hard to support the Holiday Shop each year, and their dedication to their toy drive no doubt has brought a lot of happiness to children in our community.”

Members of the Gloucester Firefighters Union will also be accepting cash donations through a boot drive at Stop and Shop at 6 Thatcher Road in Gloucester on Nov. 26 and 27, and have set up a Go Fund Me Page to accept donations as well. All proceeds will be used to purchase toys for the Wellspring House’s Holiday Shop this year.

Through donations, Wellspring House’s holiday store allows Cape Ann families in need to purchase gifts for their children at a nominal expense: $2 buys three toys and one book per child.

For more information on Wellspring’s holiday store, contact Katie Misuraca at kmisuraca@wellspringhouse.org or 978-281-3558 ext. 303.

###