Gloucester Fire Department
Eric Smith, Fire Chief
8 School St.
Gloucester, MA 01930
For Immediate Release
Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2019
Contact: Kelsey Bode
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: kelsey@jgpr.net
Gloucester Firefighters Raise $3,900 for Wellspring House Holiday Shop
GLOUCESTER — Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken and Fire Chief Eric Smith are pleased to share that Gloucester Firefighters Union IAFF Local 762 raised more than $3,900 for Wellspring House’s Holiday Shop this year.
Wellspring House, a nonprofit organization located in Gloucester, offers temporary shelter for families in need and works with residents on homelessness prevention, emergency shelter placement and securing long-term housing. Each year, Wellspring House opens a holiday store that allows local families in need to purchase gifts for their children for a small fee: $2 buys three toys and one book per child.
Members of the Gloucester Fire Department come together annually to support the holiday store by holding a boot drive and accepting cash and toy donations. This year, Gloucester firefighters raised more than $3,900, which purchased approximately 460 items for the shop.
“This year’s efforts to support the Wellspring House Holiday Store have been incredibly successful, and I’d like to commend all of those who worked so hard to make this donation a reality,” Chief Smith said. “In particular, I’d like to recognize Firefighter Dean DeCoste, who leads this annual effort and has put a lot of time into this initiative to spread positivity and joy to members of our community in need.”
Additional members of the Gloucester Fire Department who supported the initiative included Assistant Chief Joe Aiello, Firefighter/Paramedics Pat Legro, Sean Ellis, Drew Lyons, Alex Smith, Jason LoCoco, Tom Aldrich, Dave Osier, Alison DeMeule, Dave Elwell and Mike Shulman.
“Congratulations to the Gloucester firefighters responsible for this wonderful effort,” Mayor Romeo Theken said. “This donation will make a significant difference over the holidays for many children, parents and guardians living on Cape Ann.”
The holiday store was held this past weekend. For more information on Wellspring’s holiday store, contact Katie Misuraca at kmisuraca@wellspringhouse.org or 978-281-3558 ext. 303.
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