Published: December 09, 2009 10:27 am      

Short of goal, but ‘Fill Boot’ will bring joy for children

WAURIKA — It was a chilly morning for standing out at an intersection, but through their willingness to survive the elements, members of the Waurika Volunteer Fire Department will be able to warm the hearts of some area youngsters.

The department’s annual Fill the Boot fund-raising event was held Saturday at conjunction of U.S. Highways 81 and 70. Although Fire Chief Johnny Berry said the “take” at Fill the Boot wasn’t quite up to previous levels, along with other donations that will be coming in, many area children will again be receiving free presents for Christmas.

“We were a little short of our goal for this year, but I think it will be all right once all the toy donations have been made,” Berry said.

Still to come are toys that will be donated by the Family, Careers and Community Leaders of America programs at Waurika and Ringling high schools.

In addition, the firefighters’ program, which is part of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program, will receive toys from the national foundation and Toys are Us.

Parents who meet the income criteria and wish to obtain toys for their children, need to apply no later than Friday. Applications are available at Waurika City Hall and at the Oklahoma Department of Human Services office on Highway 70.

Applications will be reviewed on Monday, Dec. 21 and those receiving toys will be notified that day.

Parents will be able to pick up the toys on Wednesday, Dec. 23, at the fire station.