Fox Lake fire, Chevy dealer partner to give kids a happy holiday
The Fox Lake Fire Protection District teamed up with Ray Chevrolet to help local children in need Friday night.
Ray Chevrolet hosted a pizza party for 34 kids that included a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Employees at the Fox Lake dealership bought at present for each of the kids and gave them a McDonald's gift certificate.
The kids were transported to Wal-Mart in Round Lake Beach, where they went on a shopping spree accompanied by a member of the fire protection district.
Each child got $35 to spend, which was donated by Ray Chevrolet.
"We wanted to do something around the holidays and, with everything going on in the Fox Lake community right now, we thought it was a way to give back and do something for the community," said Tom Templeton, marketing director at Ray Chevrolet.
This is the first year for the program, but both sides want to make it an annual event.
Kids raced up and down the store aisles picking out toys, games and clothing as firefighters pushed their carts and helped them pick presents.
"We're glad to partner with (Ray Chevrolet) on this," Fox Lake Fire Protection District Chief Ron Hoehne said. "We're going to do it again next year, we've been told."