'Outpouring of support' at Strings generates strong toy haul during JFD, JPD toy drive

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Keith Calci and Jon Pistacchio stood shivering – but smiling – outside Strings Bar and Grill Saturday night, greeting people and thanking dozens upon dozens of Johnstonians for their seemingly unmatched generosity.

Beginning around 7 o’clock and running late into the evening, the two Johnston Association of Firefighters Local 1950 officials graciously accepted all kinds of gifts – from toys to games to bicycles – during the ninth annual Toys for Tots Drive that will enable many children to have a merry Christmas.

“This is always a special night,” said Johnston Dist. 25 Sen. Frank Lombardo, who continued his terrific tradition of donating a bicycle and several child-oriented games and toys. “My wife Patty and I wouldn’t miss this event for anything; it’s important for many reasons.”

Perhaps first and foremost, as Lombardo said: “The Toys for Tots Party gives people a chance to pay tribute – and express their thanks – to the Johnston Firefighters who are always giving back to the community in one form or another. Local 1950 is a special group of professionals that always go above and beyond the call of duty.”

Local 1950 President Keith Calci emphasized: “Vice President Pistacchio does an excellent job organizing this event annually. His efforts combined, with the support of Stephanie [Harris] from Strings Bar and Grill, made this year’s collection one of our all-time best.”

He added: “I would like to thank the members of Local 1950. They participate in so many charitable events over the course of a year, but this one, for the kids, is one of the most important. In addition, we couldn’t do this without the outpouring of support from the community and citizens of Johnston, including Sen. Lombardo and his wife, who make this annual stop supporting Toys for Tots. Hopefully our efforts help to make sure very child has a gift to open on Christmas Morning.”

Meanwhile, Pistacchio – who doubles as a Johnston Fire Department lieutenant – looked at the colossal collection of toys and exclaimed, “This was our biggest year yet. We were able to stuff this reserve rescue from front to back. Every person who came here tonight and those that donated during the pre-event drive should be proud of the amount of gifts were giving to the U.S. Marine Corps for the Toys for Tots Drive.”

Pistacchio began issuing “thank yous” to a long list of people who helped Local 1950 and Johnston Police Union 307 set yet another record that people like Donna Gawlik and Michael Vieira said “is probably unmatched anywhere in the state.”

He thanked Johnston Mayor Joseph Polisena and Fire Chief Peter Lamb “for allowing us to use the reserve rescue to once again collect the toys that will go to children in needy families.”

Likewise, Pistacchio, Calci and a number of Local 1950 members were thrilled with this year’s Toys for Tots Party, which Strings owner Harris made extra special.

Harris had plenty of food for the large crowd of people who jammed into every nook and cranny of her restaurant, which is located on George Waterman Road in Johnston.

“This is pretty darn good food,” Lombardo said while sampling the delicacies that were served buffet style. “Everyone should give a shout-out to the Strings staff.”

Pistacchio said they “couldn’t do enough to make everyone feel welcome.”

Calci, meanwhile, concluded his post-event remarks by saying: “Thank you to everyone who showed up tonight and made a donation before hand. Once again, thanks to generosity of the community who took part and helped us stuff the rescue with toys.”

“Next year will be our 10th anniversary for this event,” Pistacchio said. “We’re really looking forward to the 2020 drive and already have some exciting things planned.”

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