The tradition began on Christmas Eve nearly a quarter-century ago. Morristown firefighters were sitting in the Speedwell Avenue fire station, missing their own families. And their thoughts turned to those who were less fortunate.
So the night shift went to Morristown Medical Center, asked how many children were admitted that night, and what they wanted for Christmas.
The firemen pooled their money and bought the children presents, wrapped them up and returned later that night to deliver them.
It is a tradition that continues to this day. The on-duty shift, as well as some off-duty firemen, returned to Morristown Medical Center this week–with Santa–to deliver gifts to kids who were spending their Christmas in the hospital.
“We delivered toys to approximately 17 children in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and another dozen in the Emergency Room,” said Firefighter Don Leyhan, who helped organize this year’s event.
“Out of all the events we do through the course of the year, this one is the most special.”
