For the past several years the SLVFD has hosted a drop off day for the holiday helpers. As part of the tradition we also decorate the fire house on this day and the drop serves as a fun community event to contribute and visit with the firefighters on sight who are decorating and accepting the holiday gifts. In light of COVID safety the event was a little different this year but the show did go on.

One group of SLVFD firefighters decorated the fire house, which was closed to the public, another group of firefighters set up a drive by drop off operation at the Saranac Lake Baptist Church. As the day went on the pile of toys grew. It is hard to not be moved by the community’s generosity. This year was a huge success.

The Bloomingdale Volunteer Fire Department also hosted a toy drop event at their fire station. This afternoon Bloomingdale members showed up with two trucks loaded with toys that had been dropped off to them at their station.

Patti Ploof and Dawn Rogers co chair the Holiday Helpers organization which has been providing toys and clothing to families in need of assistance during the holidays. Families are also provided a large food basket. Holiday Helpers dates back to the 1970’s this is Patti’s 40th year.

This year 91 families have requested assistance for 183 children. Through our communities generous efforts Holiday Helpers will be able to provide for their needs.

December 12th the families will pick up the presents and food baskets at the Saranac Lake Baptist Church where the unwrapped presents will be sorted by volunteers who arrange the presents in age appropriate groups. Normally this process involves 25 to 30 volunteers this year due to COVID safety this mission will be accomplished by a cadre of only approximately 10.

Patti and Dawn state so many people have helped that it is hard to thank them all individually however we need to acknowledge the Saranac Lake Baptist Church, the Saranac Lake Volunteer Fire Department, the Saranac Lake Volunteer Rescue Squad, the Woman’s Civic Chamber, The Kiwanis club, the Found Caravan Corvette club and the entire Bevilacqua family, NYSP Troop B, Deb and Rich Harrison, Adirondack Health, The Paul Smiths and Bloomingdale Volunteer Fire Departments, Coakley Hardware, Madden’s Transfer and Storage, and the Best Western.

This program can not exist without the continued support of our community. The SLVFD along with the Holiday Helpers wish all a very happy and safe Holiday Season.