LYNN — The Lynn Fire Department is teaming up with the U.S. Marine Corps to provide some joy to children this holiday season.
Lynn Firefighter Paul Tucker, a former Marine, is spearheading the fire department’s collection effort for the Marine Toys for Tots program, an initiative he has been coordinating for the past 10 years.
Tucker is working with fellow firefighters Ian Gauslin and Dan Zagdan-Gross, both former Marines, to collect toys at the fire department, which will be distributed to children this Christmas.
“We came on together and we all kind of undertook it. I spearheaded it because of my prior involvement,” said Tucker, explaining that he was involved with the Toys for Tots program for about four years with the Marines before joining the Lynn Fire Department a decade ago.
Tucker said the fire department will likely play a bigger role in the toy drive this year as many of the other drop-off sites, such as those in stores and restaurants, are closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
About 100 toys have already been collected at the fire department headquarters on Western Avenue, which serves as a drop-off site for the toy drive, Tucker said. Toys can be dropped off at any Lynn fire station this December.
“That’s a small comparison to what we normally get,” said Tucker. “It’s just kind of getting started. It just started the weekend after Thanksgiving.”
Overall, Tucker said between 2,000 to 3,000 toys are collected each year through the Marines Toys for Tots program. After toys are dropped off at the fire department, the firefighters coordinate with the local Marine Corp Reserve and Marine Corp league, which distributes the toys to families in need, he said.
“It’s just a good way to give back to the community, (to) see that all less fortunate families can celebrate a good Christmas and have good memories,” said Tucker.
The Marine Toys for Tots program has been delivering a message of hope to less fortunate children since 1947, according to the Lynn Fire Department.
“COVID-19 has put a strain on all of us, but we refuse to let it stop us from helping such a worthy cause,” said the fire department in a Facebook post. “Once again, Lynn firefighters will be teaming up with the Marines, collecting new and unwrapped toys at all Lynn fire stations throughout December. Please help us put a smile on a child’s face this Christmas.”
