Firefighters, churches team for annual toy drive in Medina
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – Members of the Medina Area Association of Churches are pictured at the United Methodist Church this morning with some of the toys and food that were headed to local families and senior citizens.
Sylvia Riviere, front left, has led the drive the past seven years. Sue Metzo, front right, also is a long-time leader of the effort. MAAC has been leading the annual drive for about four decades.
In back are Pastor Tony Hipes of the United Methodist Church, Donna Johnson, Pat Howell and David Riviere.
Local firefighters put out about 30 red barrels about a month ago in the community and residents and businesses donated toys, food and clothes. The MAAC put together packages for 112 families including 150 children. There were also 43 senior citizens that received meals, including a ham. (Last year the holiday drive served 107 families.)
Firefighters from Medina, Ridgeway, Shelby and East Shelby delivered the gifts and food this morning. Mike Fuller from East Shelby carries one of the big boxes. The United Methodist Church, the former Apple Grove, served as the packing and distribution headquarters for the drive.
Medina firefighter Jacob Crooks checks the list for his deliveries. Firefighters said they welcomed the chance to deliver the packages to local families and senior citizens.
Medina firefighters Bob Urtel, left, and Jonathan Higgins carry boxes to an ambulance. The Medina Fire Department delivered the boxes from three ambulances.
Ridgeway, Shelby and East Shelby brought rescue trucks to carry the boxes to local families.
