Starting a new tradition in town, this year the Essex Fire Department Company #1 will travel around town, spreading good cheer and picking up donations of non-perishable goods for the Shoreline Soup Kitchen & Pantries.

“It started last year, after the Old Saybrook Torchlight Parade, we decided, since the trucks were decorated, to travel around town a bit and spread some cheer,” said Essex Fire Chief Aron Schumacher. “We knew we wanted to do that again this year, but we also wanted to tie it into to something good for the community and a way to give back during the holiday season, so we came up with this idea.”

Essex, Centerbrook, and Ivoryton residents who wish to donate goods to the Shoreline Soup Kitchen & Pantries and have the fire truck visit their road or neighborhood on the evenings of Friday, Dec. 20 or Saturday, Dec. 21 between 5 to 9 p.m. can sign up ahead of time at the Essex Fire Engine Company #1 Facebook page. An email with the finalized scheduled route will be sent out to those who have signed up, so they know when to expect the festive trucks.

“We are hoping this is a big hit and that it can become an annual giving tradition in town,” said Schumacher. “We would like as many people as possible to sign up for a visit from us and to donate to a great cause.”

The Essex Fire Engine Company #1, which is located at 11 Saybrook Road, is an all-volunteer department that is 45 members strong, with two junior members. Last year the department responded to 650 calls. In addition, its members contributed their time and efforts to numerous other community events.

Run on an operating budget provided by the Town of Essex, the department is supplemented by funds which come in through donations from the community to be used for things such as training, medical, and fire-related equipment, personal protective gear, and many other crucial needs.

“Our two highest priorities are to keep our volunteers safe, so that everyone can go home after an incident is over, and to keep our volunteers trained so that they can offer the best services to the community,” said Schumacher.

For more information, email chief@essexfire.com.