JFD, JPD organize Toys for Tots Drive

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For the seventh time in as many years, the Johnston Firefighters Local 1950 joins the Johnston Police Department’s Local 307 to make sure that needy children have a Merry Christmas.

On December 3, beginning at 7 p.m. to closing, Bar 101 owner Pete Matteo serves a complimentary buffet for any Johnstonian or area resident who donates an unwrapped toy. It’s all part of the Firefighters Local 1950 and Police Union 307’s efforts during their annual Toys for Tots Drive.

“Every one of our 88 Johnston firefighters donates money we use to get a jump start on shopping for toys,” Jon Pistacchio, Local 1950’s vice president, explained. “Bar 101 also makes a sizeable donation to the pool that enables us to purchase even more toys.”

Likewise, members of the Police Union show up every year at the Bar 101 bash and bring bags upon bags of new and unwrapped toys.

“This entire program makes everyone feel good about the holidays,” Pistacchio said. “If possible, we’d like every kid across the state to have toys to open on Christmas morning.”

During the past half-dozen Toys for Tots drives, the Locals, along with Matteo’s staff and patrons, have helped fill the back end of JFD rescue parked in Bar 101’s lot at 1478 Atwood Avenue, Johnston. Donations include new bicycles and tricycles, games, sports equipment and gift certificates earmarked for the purchase of toys.

“Our goal this year – as it is every year – is to have the back end of a reserve rescue vehicle overflowing with toys,” Pistacchio said. “This is one of most important programs we do and every member of both Locals is hoping that Saturday night’s toy collection will be the biggest ever.”

The combined Toys for Tots Drive will begin at Bar 101 at approximately 7 p.m. on Saturday night, Dec. 3 and continue until closing.

“It’s a win-win for everyone,” Pistacchio said. “All people have to do is bring a new, unwrapped toy to Bar 101 and they can enjoy a free complimentary buffet that Pete [Matteo] puts out every year. And, his food is darn good, too.”

Members of the firefighters and police unions will also be on hand to make a trip to a person’s home to pick up donations of toys for the annual drive.

Pistacchio and his fellow firefighters recently hosted Fire Bowl III, a benefit flag football game featuring the North Providence Firefighters that resulted in monetary donations and a canned goods collection that helped fill the food pantry at the Tri-Town Community Agency Food Cupboard.

“Now we’re hoping to put smiles on the faces of kids from families in need at Christmas,” Pistacchio said. “It’s heartwarming to see a child have a present to open on Christmas morning. It’s also saddening if that little he or she doesn’t have a Christmas at all.”

Pistacchio said rumor has it that Santa Claus will make a stop at Bar 101 to see if people have been naughty or nice and check out what he hopes will be a record-setting night.

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