Firefighters and Friends to the Rescue marked more than a quarter century of serving families in need with its 26th annual toy distribution day Dec. 16 at Station 11 in Penn Daw.

“I have been coming to support this event for 20 years now,” said Robert Young, a 21-year Fairfax County Firefighter and president of IAFF Local 2068. “We come to help Company 11 distribute toys through local schools and nonprofit agencies so kids have an opportunity to have a wonderful Christmas. In some cases they wouldn’t otherwise have the availability to have toys under their tree so this is a pretty big thing for everyone each year.”

Firefighters and Friends to the Rescue was founded by Willie Bailey, retired Deputy Chief of the Office of the

Fire Marshal with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department. Among others, Bailey credits Bruce Witucki of Union Street Public House with generating significant early support for the organization.

“This is one of the best things I have been involved in,” Witucki said. “It’s hard to believe this was our 26th year of providing for the community.’

The annual event has grown from serving the Route 1 corridor to helping families, schools and nonprofits throughout Northern Virginia.

“This year we gave away over 3,000 toys, 50 bikes, and $3,500 in gift cards to over 50 schools and nonprofits,” Bailey said. “For 26 years now individuals like Bruce and our many business sponsors have helped us provide for those less fortunate in the community.“

Children from the Gum Springs Head Start program selected a toy of their choice while having the opportunity to visit with Santa and interact with Caring Angels Therapy dogs.

Sponsors for the event include: Ken & Kelly Savittiere Foundation; Apple Federal Credit Union; Progressive Firefighters of Fairfax; IAFF Local 2068; Fire & Rescue Retirement Association; Nationwide Credit Corporation; John & Jack Taylor; Five Guys (Sam Chamberlain); Chadwick's Restaurant; Union Street Public House Restaurant (Bruce Witucki); Daniel Rowe; Bernie Cabral; Energesco Solutions LLC (William Bennett); Modern Technology Solution, Inc; Medocracy, Inc.; DWCNV; PROMAX Realtors; The Movement Studios; Accenture Federal Services; FRANSMART; FCAC Delta Sigma Theta Sorority; Mount Vernon Gazette; Rotary Club of Tysons Corner; Caring Angels Therapy Dogs; Kelly's Irish Times Restaurant; Walmart (Store #2258 - Richmond Hwy.); and Primo Family Restaurant.

“It’s hard to believe but we have been providing gifts during the holidays for over a quarter-century now,” Bailey said. “I am so thankful to our sponsors and supporters for helping to make this a special time of year for so many families.”

Added Young, “It’s probably overwhelming for the kids as they get off the bus, with Santa’s helpers helping them select toys. It’s an exciting day for them and fulfilling for us to be here and see the smiles on the kids’ faces.”