By Steven Wyble
TwinStar Credit Union employees and customers donated $1,000 used to buy stuffed animals to give to Southeast Thurston Fire Authority to pass out during the holiday season.
TwinStar Credit Union in Yelm and S.E. Thurston Fire Authority are working together to help spread holiday cheer.
The TwinStar branch at 1105 W. Yelm Ave. donated about $1,000 worth of stuffed animals to the fire district.
The money for the animals was donated by credit union customers and employees.
Firefighters will pass out some of the stuffed animals donated by TwinStar, as well as candy canes, at events in Yelm and Rainier. Santa Claus, his red suit matching the fire engines, will be in tow to greet area children.
“I think it’s a chance for us to get out and be seen by the people who support us, citizens and taxpayers; and a chance to give back to them, and a chance for kids to see the fire truck and for us to hand out donated (stuffed) animals,” said Fire Chief Mark King.
It allows the fire department to interact with people during a happy time of celebration rather than during a service call, he said.
Firefighters will also keep some of the stuffed animals in their trucks to pass out to help calm children involved in emergencies, said Joyce Willms, public relations representative for S.E. Thurston Fire Authority.
The fire district’s auxiliary is asking for donations to help provide presents and meals to people in the community.
“In a time like this, the way the economy is, people need a helping hand.” Willms said. “We’re asking for donations from everybody. … We’ve all been in a time in our life when we need a helping hand. That’s what the fire department is all about, is helping people.”
More Information
If You Want to Donate:
People interested in donating stuffed animals, toys, food or money should contact Kathie Schleis, manager of the fire district auxiliary, at 360-280-0941. Donations may also be dropped off at the Rainier Fire Station, 12506 133rd Ave. S.E., Rainier, and Yelm Fire Station at 709 Mill Road S.E., Yelm. Checks should be made out to Rainier Fire Auxiliary and can be mailed to P.O. Box 777, Yelm, WA 98597.Santa’s Schedule:
S.E. Thurston Fire Authority and a jolly Santa Claus will pass out stuffed animals and candy canes in the Lake Lawrence area 6 p.m. Dec. 7, Nisqually Pines 6 p.m. Dec. 8, and 6 p.m. at the Yelm Safeway parking lot Dec. 15. Times are approximate.They’ll also be in the Christmas in the Park parade 9:30 a.m. Dec. 7 and at the Rainier Christmas Tree Lighting, 6 p.m. Dec. 7 at Rainier City Hall.
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