Gloucester Fire Department, in Partnership with Addison Gilbert Hospital, Collects Over $7,000 to Purchase over 400 Gifts for Cape Ann Kids Foundation

GLOUCESTER — The Gloucester Fire Department collected $7,000 in Holiday Toy Drive funding, allowing over 400 gifts to be purchased for the Cape Ann Kids Foundation. 

The drive, which was led by Firefighter Dean DeCoste, was conducted over two days at both Stop & Shop and Market Basket locations in Gloucester.

Thanks to the generous donations from the community, Gloucester Fire was able to raise over $7,000 and purchase over 400 gifts for children in need through the Cape Ann Kids Holiday Fund. 

The Cape Ann Kids Holiday Fund has helped more than 1,250 children in need in Gloucester, Ipswich, Rockport, Manchester-by-the-Sea, and Essex for nearly a decade. 

Residents in need of support this holiday season can register for the fund at capeannkids.org.

Gloucester Fire Department and Addison Gilbert Hospital would like to thank those who have and are continuing to support the initiative.

Volunteers who assisted in the collection and delivery of the holiday gifts included Gloucester Firefighters, Matt Aiello, Justin Burge,  Lt. Buddy Doucette, firefighter Joe Johnson, Ishi King, Will Lane, Lukas McRobb, Lt. Mike Mitchell, firefighters Dave Osier, Quincy Carvino, John Salvi-Souza, Jon Sanger, Lucas Trabucco, Clay Whitley, and staff from Addison Gilbert Hospital. 

“It’s amazing to get to be part of such a great community. This was made possible by the generous donations we receive from the community throughout the year,” said Firefighter DeCoste. “This year, we had a lot of new members help out. Special thanks to Firefighter Ishi King, who really stepped up and took the reins in getting the drive set up and started at the new location at Market Basket.” 

“Last year, we were able to donate over 200 toys to families in need, and seeing that number continue to grow is a true testament to our community and what it means to come together to support one another this holiday season,” said Chief Eric Smith. 

About Addison Gilbert Hospital:

Addison Gilbert Hospital (AGH) is a 79-bed medical acute care facility located in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Specialties include acute and intensive adult inpatient care, cancer care, cardiology, pulmonology, geriatric services, endocrine, pain management, outpatient sleep, wound care and emergency medicine.

About Cape Ann Kids:

For decades, Cape Ann’s non-profits have worked hard to make the holidays easier for families with limited financial resources. With help from our generous community, we have provided toys, books, pajamas, and gift cards to tens of thousands of families through our combined efforts.