WELLMAN

The Wellman Volunteer Fire Department gave away thousands of dollars’ worth of toys on Saturday, Dec. 9 during their second annual Toy Giveaway at the fire station. Parents came from seven towns – Wellman, Kalona, Washington, Wayland, Kinross, South English, and Vinton – to select Christmas gifts for their children.

Community members and employees of the Wellman Dollar General donated about $1,500 worth of toys and $1,630 in cash toward toy purchases. The contributions were so generous, about $1,500 has been earmarked for next year’s toy giveaway, Tracy Owens, the fire department’s secretary/treasurer, said.

Firefighters and community members staffed the event, which included giftwrapping. Names were drawn for four large toys, which included bikes and a rideable dump truck.

“You have no idea what this means to our family,” one of the winners said when Owens called to notify them.

Thanks to the fire department and the community’s generosity, about 80 children will wake up to wonder and joy on Christmas morning.