12/07/21 - First Responders Celebrate Christmas with Hundreds of Kids in the Hospital

Tuesday, December 7, 2021 at 2:45 PM

Around two dozen first responder agencies collected close to 500 toys for patients at the Helen DeVos Children's Hospital. 12/07/21.

With hundreds of children in the hospital this Christmas, close to a dozen agencies collected gifts to help lift their spirits.

Around 20 local police and first responder agencies were out spreading a little Christmas cheer.

A caravan of patrol cars dropped off hundreds of toys for children who are spending time at the DeVos Children’s Hospital in downtown Grand Rapids. Sarah Greene is with the First Responder Children’s Foundation, who helped organize the event.

"We just love being able to connect first responders in this area, To be able to give back and connect them with the community."

Greene says it took a phone call back in June to connect with the Grandville Police Department, but it only took a few weeks for other agencies to join in and partner in on the fun.

About 20 agencies in total collected close to 500 gifts, ranging from American Girl dolls to cars and trucks. They also included first responder vehicles which the hospital says is always a big hit.

Greene says they're already looking to next year to help spread even more cheer.

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