Rescue squad set for massive toy distribution

Rescue squad members have added a new twist to playing Santa Claus this year.

Instead of traveling around the county and delivering toys to hundreds of homes, rescue squad members have asked families to come to them.

?I think it?s going to work perfectly,? said rescue squad director Fred Hillis. ?I haven?t heard a complaint yet.?

Rescue squad members have traditionally spent all day Christmas Eve delivering toys to every corner of the county. In an effort to simplify the process, the squad has established pick-up times tonight from 6 to 10 p.m. and all day Saturday from 8 a.m. till midnight at its building on Sparta Street.

?I know of one box we have to deliver for a lady who is having surgery on Thursday and can?t make it out,? said Hillis. ?But other than that, we?ll have to wait till Christmas Eve to see what?s left.?

Gifts that aren?t picked up today or Saturday will still be delivered by rescue squad members on Sunday. Members are hoping that won?t be too many deliveries.

?We don?t mind doing it,? said squad member Mike Hutcheson. ?One of the things that?s a concern is if the people aren?t home, we have to leave the toys on the front porch and then we worry about somebody coming by and taking them.?

Hillis said 326 families and close to 1,100 children are scheduled to receive toys this year compliments of the rescue squad. Hillis estimates the squad has received and purchased $16,000 to $17,000 worth of toys.

?And I?d say that?s a low-ball figure,? said squad member Chad Hillis.

To help prevent a logjam of vehicles from blocking traffic on Sparta Street, rescue squad members will have a U-shaped driving area in the front parking lot. People will pull up, give their name, and stay in the car. Rescue squad members will go inside and retrieve the toys.