The Saratoga Springs Firefighters Local 343 and the Saratoga Springs Police PBA are two unions with a long history of helping out the community.
This holiday season is no different, as the two groups are targeting needy children through a charitable event. The firefighters have worked hard to raise funds and have purchased boots, coats, hats, mittens and toys for 60 Saratoga Springs School District children that might otherwise not have a Christmas.
On Sunday, Dec. 16, at 1 p.m., they will hold a Christmas party for those children and their families at the Saratoga-Wilton Elks Club in Saratoga Springs. Event organizer Michael O’Reilly, who is vice president of Local 343, said this is the second time the party has been held after a gap of a couple of years.
“Saratoga Police PBA started the party four years ago through the DARE program, but when the program ended, the police stopped doing it because their DARE officer handled it,” said O’Reilly. “Then last year we were at a union meeting and someone made a motion to start the Christmas party for the kids again. Last year was the first year the fire department ran lead on the party, but the police are still involved. They’ve helped with donations and were at the party last year to hand out the gifts to the kids.”
O’Reilly said he went to all the elementary schools in the Saratoga Springs School District and found the 10 neediest kids from each school, for a total of 60 children.
“Every year, the party is funded by donations, so 60 children is manageable,” said O’Reilly. “My goal is $3,000 to $4,000 and then we go out and do the shopping.”
O’Reilly said most of the shopping was done at JC Penney and wanted to thank the store for its help.
“Those people are incredible,” he said. “Their help is amazing. I called and they had pulled all the coats for us. When we got there they checked the list and pulled the rest of the items. They are amazing over there.”
Paul Staulters, a retired firefighter, has been helping O’Reilly organize the event.
“Paul and I are really tight, we work together and have a lot of fun,” said O’Reilly. “He called me this year and said he was looking to do something different for Christmas and asked if I had anything going on. … He’s been a great help. He’s organized and gotten a lot of donations for us. He got the food donated, he got the Elks Club donated, plus he’s gone out and got monetary donations from people that I didn’t tap into last year.”
Staulters said he got a lot of cooperation and donations through area veterans clubs and private clubs. He wants to make sure they are all acknowledged.
“The Eagles Club 2586 especially have been great,” said Staulters. “Not only did they let us use their facilities today, but they made a sizable donation of $750.”
Anna Hagadorn, a representative from the Eagles Club, said they were glad to help out.
“This is a big deal. We help out a lot of organizations,” said Hagadorn. “Our motto is people helping people.”
Other donations have come from the Principessa Elena Society, ITAM, the Beau Kilmer Fund, the Elks Club in Saratoga and Ballston Spa, Allerdice Rental, Almost Saratoga and the American Legion.
Staulters also wanted to recognize Mama Mia’s Pizza, who donated 15 pizzas, pasta and pastries for the party.
When asked why they hold this party every year, O’Reilly said it’s simple.
“For the kids. Last year was phenomenal. The expression on their faces and the gratitude made it all worthwhile,” O’Reilly said.
“The whole concept is to give back to the community,” added Staulters. “This is one very special way we try to give back.”
Saratoga Springs Supervisor Joanne Yepsen has also donated her time for the party.
“The kids deserve this, it is a great effort,” she said. “November is Homeless Awareness Month. There are more than 1,000 homeless families in the Saratoga area. This is a great project to support. It brings together the city.”