www.SanTanSun.com Firefighters from Page 1
Chandler Unified School District (CUSD) and other local organizations, last year provided around a thousand low-income families with toys, flour, rice, beans, toiletries, a turkey – “a whole month’s worth of household essentials,” says White. “There’s one big day when the families all come down,” he adds. “Santa’s there to see the kids, and we’ve got enough toys on hand for each child to get one or two.” “Each and every firefighter is involved in this process,” says Battalion Chief Brad Miller, the Fire Department’s public information officer. Miller says that the City’s 204 firefighters and 30 civilian employees have a long history of giving back to the community. This year, as last, firefighters are providing flour, as well as toys, for the event, with each firefighter donating five 5-pound sacks.
The Fire Department recently held its annual Holiday Toy Collection at Chandler Fashion Center, offering free fire truck rides to those who donated a toy,
STSN photo
WHAT A RIDE: Youth wait patiently for a ride on a fire truck during the Chandler Fire Department’s annual toy collection event.
and entertaining shoppers with Christmas carolers and the Department’s Pipes & Drums corps. Donations of new, unwrapped toys that do not require batteries are also being accepted at all 10 Chandler fire stations and at Fire Department headquarters, 151 E. Boston St. in Chandler.
White, who led the toy drive effort for nearly a decade before handing the reins to others last year, still remembers the joy he received while spreading joy to others. “I loved it,” he says. “I loved the smiles on the faces, and finding those who genuinely needed the help – and then being able to actually make a difference.” For more information on the Chandler Fire Department’s toy drive, visit
www.chandleraz.gov/fire or call 480-782-2120.
K. M. Lang lives and writes in Sun Groves. To contact her, email
KMLang@SanTanSun.com.
Community
Dec. 17, 2011 - Jan. 6, 2012
13
Vendors, entertainers sought for centennial events Entertainers and vendors are needed to participate in the upcoming
signature events that will celebrate Chandler’s 100th birthday in 2012. The Chandler Centennial Steering Committee is expecting to attract crowds that “reflect the diverse culture of modern-day Chandler as we celebrate our rich history and heritage.”
Entertainers are needed for all of the signature events: the Feb. 7, 2012 Centennial 100 Day Countdown Kick-off at Chandler City Hall, and the three events that comprise the celebration weekend May 17 to 19. Vendors are needed for the May 19 family friendly community celebration that is expected to draw thousands of residents and visitors to Tumbleweed Park. The event on May 17 is the Happy 100th Birthday Chandler! Celebration at City Hall from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. The 100 Artists Celebrating 100 Years event will be in historic downtown Chandler from 4 to 10 p.m. on May 18. The celebration concludes on Sat., May 19, with the Chandler Bash of the Century from 4 to 10 p.m. at Tumbleweed Park.
Potential Bash of the Century vendors will need to provide information to the community about their business or organization, sell merchandise or sell food or beverages. Chandler-based business, organizations and residents will have a Feb. 1 priority deadline to submit applications. The final deadline for all vendor applications is April 2.
Potential entertainers will need to be able to sing, dance, play in a band, duo or trio or be able to entertain a crowd on stage. All performers must be family friendly. Chandler-based performers will be given priority during the selection process.
Complete details, including vendor booth fees, are on the Chandler Centennial website at
www.chandler100th.com. Questions about becoming a vendor can be directed to 480-782-2665, and those with entertainment questions should call 480-477-8686. Centennial event sponsorship opportunities are still available. Call 480-782-2220 for details or visit
www.chandler100th.com.
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