Morning rain could not dampen the festive spirits that emerge every December during the annual city deliveries of the Columbus Firemen’s Cheer Fund.
Because of Saturday’s heavy precipitation, Santa Claus did not make his normal deliveries throughout the city on the Columbus Fire Department’s 1937 Stutz fire truck. Nor were there any horse-drawn carriages brought in to help distribute gifts this year to nearby homes.
But when combined with Friday’s day-early deliveries outside of Columbus, the 88-year-old Cheer Fund provided gift boxes for 1,217 Bartholomew County children 12 and younger, co-chairman Cory Hampton said.
That total is down slightly from the average 1,309 deliveries over the past five years. But this year’s final number could still exceed the average volume because up to 200 additional kids might still be helped during the final week before Christmas, Hampton said.
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That includes those whose parents missed the deadline — or others were signed up to be served by another group that fell short on resources, Columbus Fire Department spokesman Capt. Mike Wilson said.
Considered Bartholomew County’s oldest charity still in existence, the Cheer Fund will also meet unexpected emergency needs that arise over the next nine days, Wilson said.
First in line
For seven years in a row, Jeff and Chandra Tobias drove the first vehicle in line for delivery day. However, the Columbus couple announced last December that they would be moving out of state this year. So on Saturday, those bragging rights went to Jeff and Kathy Ownbey of Westport. The couple got in line early in the morning just ahead of Mike Jaggers of Columbus.
When Jeff Ownbey was asked what time he arrived, his only response was “too early.”
Another Cheer Fund co-chairman, Justin Sims, may have had the toughest job Saturday. He had to stand outside in the rain to guide vehicles in and out of the Doug Otto United Way building on 13th Street, where the toys had been stored and readied for delivery.
More than 70 smiling volunteers were dry and warm inside the building’s warehouse when delivery activities began shortly before 8 a.m. Saturday.
Many were dressed up in Christmas outfits such as an elf, a reindeer and even a polar bear as they loaded up cars and trucks at seven different stations.
Kids helping kids
Among the loaders were two Rockcreek Elementary students who are daughters of Columbus firefighter Leroy Armstrong.
“This is really incredible because everybody donates enough every year to make sure every kid can have more than one toy,” said Natasha Armstrong, 10.
The items that were in big demand this year were LEGO products and bicycles, Cheer Fund co-chairman Ben Noblitt said.
Natasha’s 8-year-old sister, Emma, said she likes to imagine how happy and excited the children get when they see their presents for the first time.
“Sometimes, I do wish I could have a couple of things that I see (in the warehouse),” Emma said. “But then, I know I don’t really need it as much as other kids do.”
While plenty of older kids load vehicles, it’s common to see small children in the delivery vehicles.
Marli Schrougham, 6, represents the fourth generation of her family to make Cheer Fund deliveries, said her grandfather, Columbus firefighter Jim Miller.
“By helping others, it makes children grateful for what they have,” Miller said. “It also teaches them how to give back to the community at a young age.”
As Andy and Lindsey England of Columbus were delivering gift boxes, the couple said it was their 3-year-old daughter’s job to keep an eye on goodie bags.
“Bailey has been going on Cheer Fund deliveries every year since she was in my belly,” said Lindsey England of her daughter.
Happy recipients
The Englands made their first delivery to the home of Kristen Smith on Tenth street near downtown Columbus.
Smith, a single mother who works as a food server, said her 10-year-old son John has been asking for toys or games with names like Pokemon, Five Nights and Minecraft.
“These gifts make the end of the year the best it can be for a lot of kids,” Smith said.
Later, the Englands dropped off boxes at the Lawton Avenue residence of Eric and Maria Peck, who are raising three of the grandchildren. As the kids entered the room to see a large gift box, the spirit of Christmas immediately filled the room.
There were plenty of wows, ooohs and “look at this” expressed by Romin Peck, 8, Brecsy Peck, 10, and Jaylen Peck, 11, as they checked out items ranging from a kickball and Indianapolis Colts sportswear to a Spiderman toy and nature books.
For the Peck children and the other 1,214 others who will benefit from the Friday-Saturday deliveries, the overcast conditions outside were overshadowed by glowing anticipation for a bright and happy Christmas.
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The Columbus Fireman’s Cheer Fund is just one of a number of holiday programs watched over by Bartholomew County 2-1-1 to prevent duplication of resources. Others programs include:
- Lincoln-Central Neighborhood Family Center’s Angels of Love campaign.
- The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program.
- The Fraternal Order of Police Shop With A Cop program.
Individual programs are sponsored by organizations such as the Elks Club, St. Bartholomew Catholic Church and the Community Center of Hope.
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