Firefighters and Friends founder Willie Bailey, right, and longtime supporter Bruce Witucki enjoy a visit with Santa, aka firefighter Lt. David Saunders, Dec. 11 at Station 11 in Penn Daw.
Firefighters and Friends to the Rescue marked its 25th year of serving families in need with a toy distribution day Dec. 11 at Station 11 in Penn Daw.
“This is one of my favorite events of the year,” said Bruce Witucki of Union Street Public House. “It’s hard to believe this was our 25th year of providing for the community.’
Firefighters and Friends to the Rescue was founded by Willie Bailey, recently retired as Deputy Chief of the Office of the Fire Marshall with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department. Bailey credits Witucki with generating significant early support for the organization.
“Bruce has been a sponsor since the organization was founded,” Bailey said. “He was instrumental in building support for us, through his own donations and with introductions to his wide circle of friends and businesses in the community.”
The annual event has grown from serving the Route 1 corridor to helping families, schools and nonprofits throughout Northern Virginia.
“This year we gave away over 3,000 toys, 50 bikes, and $3,000 in gift cards to over 50 schools and nonprofits,” Bailey said. “For 25 years individuals like Bruce and our many business sponsors have helped us provide for those less fortunate in the community.“
Children from the Gum Springs Head Start program selected a toy of their choice while having the opportunity to visit with Santa and interact with Caring Angels Therapy dogs. Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck and State Senator George Barker (D-39) were among the volunteers helping distribute toys.
“It’s important to be involved in helping people, particularly children,” Barker said.
Sponsors for the event include: Ken and Kelly Savittiere Foundation; Apple Federal Credit Union; Progressive Firefighters of Fairfax; Local 2068; Fire and Rescue Retirement Association; Nationwide Credit Corporation; John and Jack Taylor; Chadwick's Restaurant; Union Street Public House Restaurant (Bruce Witucki); Alexandria Toyota; Andrew Mitchell; Daniel Rowe; Bernie Cabral; Energesco Solutions LLC (William Bennett); Modern Technology Solution, Inc.; Medocracy, Inc.; DWCNV; PROMAX Realtors; The Movement Studios; Accenture Federal Services; Five Guys (Sam Chamberlain); FRANSMART; FCAC Delta Sigma Theta Sorority; Mount Vernon Gazette; Rotary Club of Tysons Corner; Caring Angels Therapy Dogs; Kelly's Irish Times Restaurant; Fairfax County Police Department; Walmart (Store #2258 - Richmond Hwy.); and Primo Family Restaurant.
“It’s hard to believe but we have been providing gifts during the holidays for a quarter-century now,” Bailey said. “I am so thankful to our sponsors and supporters for making this a special time of year for so many families.”