It’s a short and simple ceremony that goes a long, long way throughout the Town of Johnston.
It’s a Rite of Thanksgiving, Johnston Fire Department Rescue Captain Cherra Wheeler will tell you, “that makes all of us here happy.”
Active members of the JFD set a record Monday morning by distributing 35 Thanksgiving baskets, as well as turkeys, to representatives from a number of public schools located in Johnston.
“Money for these baskets comes directly from our active [JFD] members, the Johnston Association of Firefighters Local 1950 Charitable Fund and outside sponsors,” said Wheeler, who chairs the annual event. “We love doing this and personally, I enjoy this event and doing all the legwork to make this a success.”
Monday’s distribution, which took place inside the JFD headquarters kitchen at 1520 Atwood Avenue, was in many ways a sparkling success. Last year the Firefighters put together 31 baskets and Monday upped that total by four that people like Jon Pistacchio, Local 1950s vice president, said “will help feed four more needy families in Johnston.”
In keeping with tradition, this year’s Thanksgiving basket items were placed in a large plastic laundry basket that Wheeler and Firefighters like Corey Woolley, Will Saccoccia, Ryan Elmasian, Patrick Brockway and Rescue Lt. Adam Pontbriant helped representatives from participating Johnston school carry to their respective vehicles.
Wheeler explained that once the baskets and accompanying turkeys arrive at the schools, they are given to help families who otherwise would have a difficult time affording a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.
“This is great,” said Karen Pezzullo, who represented Nicholas A. Ferri Middle School. “Especially when we keep hearing the need [for food for needy families] is greater than ever.”
Also on hand for Monday’s distribution were Robin Wheeler and Nurse-Teacher Deb Gannon from Thornton Elementary School, as well as Dina Needham, who also operates the highly-acclaimed Food Closet at Winsor Hill Elementary School, along with JHS Principal Dennis Morrell and Guidance Director Debbie Licciardi.
“I’m already looking forward to next year,” Capt. Wheeler said with a smile on her face. “This is the sixth year we’ve been doing these baskets and all the schools in Johnston have benefited from the baskets.”
Monday’s Thanksgiving baskets and turkey distribution was the second such food related event in three days that the Johnston Association of Firefighters helped. As a result of Saturday’s Fire Bowl IV – a flag football game versus the North Providence Firefighters – the Tri-County Community Action Agency is expected to meet its goal for to put food on needy family’s tables Thursday.
Yet another extraordinary act of giving will come on Saturday, Dec. 7 when Local 1950 hold its 7th Annual Toys for Tots Drive at Bar 101 on Atwood Avenue.
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