Cabarrus Today

In a community effort, the Concord Fire Department is set to distribute toys, clothing, and food to over 75 children this holiday season. This initiative is in partnership with local businesses and community members. The department collaborated with Cabarrus County Schools to identify families in need.

The program began more than a decade ago, initiated by retired Assistant Fire Marshal Norman Franklin of the Concord Fire Department. His vision was to support families struggling to provide holiday gifts for their children. With the assistance of fellow firefighters and funding from the Cannon Foundation, as well as contributions from local businesses and community members, the program has grown significantly. It now aims to support over 100 children this year. Franklin remains actively involved, assisting in shopping, packing, and delivering gifts.

Sonya Bost, Fire Administration Manager at the Concord Fire Department, currently leads the program. She expressed gratitude for local partners' support: “we are extremely grateful for the support we receive from our local partners; without their support we would not be able to help the number of families that we do.”

Firefighters will spend December 22 and December 23 wrapping and delivering boxes of gifts to families on their list. On December 24, they will visit Atrium Health Cabarrus to deliver gifts and assist Santa with window visits using their ladder truck.

The City of Concord Fire Department looks forward to continuing this holiday tradition and hopes to expand its impact in 2023.