Firefighters help get needy families in holiday spirit

Johns Creek firefighters joined public safety colleagues from Milton, Roswell and Alpharetta and the Alpharetta Police Athletic League to make the holidays a bit brighter for families in need through their annual food and toy delivery on December 22.

Five Johns Creek families were among 27 across North Fulton met by PAL volunteers and public safety workers bearing traditional holiday meals and toys for the children. The deliveries are funded through donations from individuals as well as businesses such as Team Chevrolet, which provided all the toys, and the Target store in Milton, which supplied the hams.

According to Jim Little, PAL CEO, families are selected through a screening process that involves local school counselors, churches and other organizations. The idea is to help families that are not being served by other agencies. This is the third year for the program.

One parent, overcome with emotion, cried as she hugged and thanked each of the volunteers. "You have made my Christmas," she said. "I don't know what I would have done without you."

"The Police Athletic League is a community program supported by the City of Alpharetta and local donors," Little said. "It is awesome to see all of our North Fulton cities come together to help make the holiday season so special for our kids."