Virginia firefighters bring Christmas gifts to family who lost home in fire
A Virginia family whose home was gutted by a fire last week recently received the gift of some old-fashioned Christmas cheer.
In the spirit of Christmas, the Ferrum Volunteer Fire Department delivered presents to a family who lost their home and belongings in a house fire on Thursday. The first responders in Franklin County, Virginia, said in social media posts that they knew their rescue efforts weren't quite finished when they saw the impact of the blaze.
"It was a working structure fire and unfortunately the family lost everything. We as volunteers knew that we couldn't let this mom and her 3 kids go thru Christmas without anything," the fire station wrote on Facebook. "Yes they're ok but it's Christmas right?"
The fire officials delivered Christmas gifts to the mother and her three children the following day at the local church parsonage they are staying at, and in photos posted on the site, the children appeared joyful.
The volunteer firefighters, who spent more than four hours extinguishing the blaze along with personnel from the local Henry County fire station, met the family again at their new home Friday for a far better reason this time: to hand out the gifts.
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"We brought gifts and more gifts!! The kids were ecstatic and were very appreciative. We thank God they're all ok and have faith he will get them thru another Christmas!" the station said on its post.
"They were very happy to see all the gifts, very happy to see the fire trucks that we brought the gifts in," the department told USA TODAY. The kids received Barbies, Pokémon, craft kits, remote control cars, scooters, blankets, scrubs and shoes. The mother also received a gift card.
The Facebook post was flooded with what seemed to be comments from community members overjoyed by the generosity.
"The best Christmas gifts are the ones you get to give! Thank you all for your wonderful service and your big hearts!" one user commented.
"So thankful they are alright! We are truly blessed to live in such a giving and helping community, and our fire dept and rescue teams are amazing! Great job yall!!! So proud!" another user wrote.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Firefighters gift presents to kids who lost home in Virginia fire
