COLUMBUS, Ind. — With high unemployment and a pandemic happening simultaneously, Columbus Fireman’s Cheer Fund organizers are navigating some of the roughest waters ever experienced in the organization’s 90-year history.
And they believe unless the jobless situation and economy improves, demand for Cheer Fund assistance could be at the highest level in decades.
“But with the economy picking up, we’re hoping it won’t be that bad,” event co-chairman Ben Noblitt said.
Even with that, there are some major changes being implemented by the Cheer Fund to protect volunteers, those who are donating and recipients.
Here are some changes recently approved by the Cheer Fund board of directors:
No used toys
Since the Cheer Fund doesn’t have the time or resources to ensure all used gifts are disinfected and free of viruses, the Cheer Fund will not be accepting used toys this year, Noblitt said.
Contributors are asked to provide either new toys or financial contributions that will allow the charity to purchase specific items requested by children. However, Noblitt said the Cheer Fund has not been accepting used toys for several months.
“Last year, the kids got five new toys and two used,” Noblitt said. “This year, it will only be new toys.”
However, the charity does have several boxes of used toys that have not been handled since the virus emerged late last winter, so they don’t pose any potential health hazard, the co-chairman said.
“We have those on the back burner if we need them,” Noblitt said.
No open boxing nights
On the first Monday after the charity’s annual Chili Cookoff in early November, the Cheer Fund has traditionally invited the public in to help during open boxing sessions on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
But due to the risk of infection this year, no group of students under the age of 18 will be allowed to fill gift boxes this year, according to another co-chairman, Cory Hampton.
While small organizations with 10 or fewer members will be allowed to box gift items this year, all volunteers will have to sign consent forms, Hampton said.
This is not a decision that was made lightly, the co-chairmen said.
“For us, it’s fun to watch all the people come in and select items for children, as well as allow us to demonstrate what we do,” Noblitt said. “We’re going to miss that this year.”
It’s likely that firefighters will be recruited to pack gift boxes this year during their off-hours, Noblitt said.
For the complete story and more photos, see Saturday’s Republic.
