City officials get ready for 'Helping Santa Program'

By Staff
Nathan Strickland
Russellville firefighters and local officials are coming together to try and make this Christmas special for struggling families.
Fire Captain Randy Seal and firefighter Jeremy Glenn head up this year's 'Helping Santa program,' which helps underprivileged families cope with Christmas woes.
"Last year we had a bay with wall to wall toys," Seal said. "The community really reached out, there is no doubt."
Starting Nov. 11 drop off boxes will be set up at 18 local businesses for community donations. Russellville Fire Chief Joe Mansell said it would be great if the community could help out.
"We encourage the citizens to make donations to this cause," Mansell said.
"We as a department want to make sure every kid has a Christmas this year."
This is the second time this particular event has taken place.
Last year, the program delivered toys to 300 families suffering from the economic downturn.
Seal says there is more of a need than most people realize.
"There is definitely a big need here," Seal said. "Last year we had families wrapped around the block waiting for gifts."
Seal also said they struggled getting clothes and toys for children ages 13 to 17 last year. This year, Five Star Pizza hopes to play a significant role in donations. They are offering a dollar off of delivery price when donating a toy to the cause.
All monetary donations must be made through the Firefighter Association. The deadline for donations is set for Dec. 18. If there are any other businesses that want to get involved in this program, please contact the Russellville Fire Department at 256-324-0456.