Schaumburg Firefighters Shop For Those In Need

On December 5th the Schaumburg Firefighters Benevolent Association sponsored their 25th annual Christmas Shopping for Families In Need at the Target store at Schaumburg and Barrington Roads. The firefighters adopted 12 families through the Schaumburg Township and spent $5000 purchasing presents, including clothing, toys, games, books, bedding and gift cards to Target, gas stations and grocery stores. Target generously opened their doors an hour early, provided breakfast for the firefighters and a discount on our purchase. The gifts were wrapped by the firefighters and their families along with 5th graders from Hoover Elementary School in Schaumburg.

This event started in 1990 when 2 firefighters with $400 shopped for a single mom and her son and a local senior. Over the years it has grown into over 25 firefighters and their families with $5,000 shopping for 12 families.

In addition, the Firefighters Benevolent Association also donated a $5000 check to the Schaumburg Township Food Pantry to restock their shelves after the Thanksgiving holiday.

All the money used for these charities is raised through the annual Firefighter Charity Softball Tournament held in September. This year's tournament raised $37,000 and over the last 21 years has raised over $580,000. In addition to the Christmas Shopping and Food Pantry, the majority of the money has been donated to the Loyola University Burn Center.