By Marisa Dawson

The Bennington Fire Department and IAFF Local 3150 hosted a heartwarming Santa Food Drive this past Saturday. Families and kids streamed into the station between 12–4 pm, with nonperishable food donations that went directly to the Bennington Community Food Pantry. Everyone enjoyed warm cookies, hot cocoa and big smiles during photos with Santa, who made a special trip from the North Pole to support the cause.

Firefighter/Paramedic Eric Shockley, who helped organize the event, shared what it means to him personally in their mission to get food donations for the pantry: “We try to help the community pantry because it’s more personalized to the community.” He added that volunteering his time was about “trying to be a part of something that’s greater than [himself], and helping people that are in need. It’s like what we all do at the fire service, so it’s kind of an extension of that.”

Firefighter/EMT Nolan Peek similarly shared about giving back in more ways than one: “It’s a way for us to give back in another way… create a safe place for everybody to come together and enjoy the holidays.” He emphasized how these events build trust: “It puts a face behind the big building and it allows people to meet us personally and get comfortable around the equipment and the people that use it.” Peek also highlighted the partnership with the pantry: “Our hope was to help provide and supplement resources for them to help other people.”

The station was filled with laughter, holiday cheer, Christmas music and the sound of kids meeting Santa while parents dropped off cans and boxes of food. The firefighters look forward to this becoming an annual tradition, with plans already underway for next year’s visit from Santa. Thank you to everyone who donated, came out, and helped make the day special! Your generosity will help fill shelves at the Bennington Community Food Pantry and warm many tables this winter.

Photos By Marisa Dawson