Schaumburg firefighters spread holiday cheer

On Saturday, Dec. 7, the Schaumburg Firefighters Benevolent Association sponsored its 29th annual Christmas Shopping for Families In Need at Target.

The firefighters adopted 10 families from the township of Schaumburg and spent $5,500 on presents, including clothing, toys, games, books, bedding and gift cards.

Last week, the gifts were wrapped by the firefighters and their families, along with students from Hoover Elementary School in Schaumburg.

This annual event began in 1990 when two firefighters spent $400 to shop for a single mom, her son and a local senior. Over the years, it has grown to more than 20 firefighters and their family members shopping for 10 families in need. This year, the Schaumburg Firefighters Benevolent Association also donated $5,000 to the Schaumburg Township Food Pantry to restock their shelves after the Thanksgiving holiday.

All the money used for these charities was raised through the annual Firefighter Charity Softball Tournament held in September. This year's tournament raised $48,000, which contributes to the $800,000 total that the association has raised over the last 26 years.

In addition to the Christmas shopping and food pantry, the majority of the remaining money has been donated to the Loyola University Burn Center.

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