NEWPORT, Ky. — Five Newport families received an early Christmas gift Tuesday night as Newport Firefighters Local 45 and Santa himself traveled from home to home to spread cheer and pass out gifts.
"We get him from the North Pole," said Jake Silvati, president of the Newport Professional Firefighters Local 45 IAFF. "He loves doing this. He's been doing it for a long time also."
The event is called 'Beyond the Call,' and thanks to this annual tradition, 23 children will have a chance to open Christmas gifts they otherwise may not have had.
"It means a lot to be able to help," said Silvati. The firefighters deliver on what any kid might want for Christmas, like bicycles, but they also provide things the kids may need, like coats, hats and gloves.
At one stop on the holiday cheer tour, Shannon Harrison's home, five children were given gifts and the opportunity to meet Santa. Harrison is taking care of five children whose parents are no longer around, and the extra holiday help the firefighters brought was definitely welcomed.
"It was kind of nice for them," she said. "They don't have their parents."
The firefighters didn't stop at material things either: The team also brought along food for a hearty meal.
"We appreciate everything they did," said Harrison. "They made it special for these kids to have something they wouldn't have had without them."
Anyone interested in donating for next year's 'Beyond the Call' event can contact the Newport Professional Firefighters on their Facebook page.
