Saturday: Holiday Films At The Firehouse

NORWALK, Conn. − In partnership with the Human Services Council, Saturday afternoon the Norwalk Fire Department is inviting families to spread out a blanket on the heated apparatus floor and enjoy the films Shrek and How to Train your Dragon.

The films are being shown in conjunction with the second annual Holiday Toy Drive, where the council and the department join forces in collecting new toys and gifts for abused, neglected and at-risk children, many of whom live in foster care or group homes and are struggling with frightening and uncertain futures.

The doors at Fire Headquarters, 121 Connecticut Ave., will open at 4:30 p.m. and the movies start at 5. Attendees are asked to bring an unwrapped toy or gift. You do not have to be a Norwalk resident.

Through the Children’s Bank Gift Drive, the Human Services Council fills approximately 3,000 holiday requests for the children its serves. For many, this is the only holiday gift they will receive.

“With the busy holiday schedules many families have this time of year, this is a great way for people to relax together, enjoy a fun movie and make a difference, ” said Acting Emergency Management Director Michele DeLuca.  “Last year, more than 100 people attended the movie night toy drive, and the response and donations were overwhelming. We’d love to double our attendance at this year’s event.”

Between the regular toy drop-off sites at the city’s fire stations and the movie night event, “our hope is that every child will have a gift this year,” DeLuca said. “And we’d love to double our attendance at this year’s event.”

Residents who wish to donate a gift but can’t attend on Saturday can stop at any of the city’s five fire stations through Dec. 22:

• Station 1: 90 New Canaan Ave.
• Station 2 (Fire Headquarters): 121 Connecticut Ave.
• Station 3: 56 Van Zant St.
• Station 4: 180 Westport Ave.
• Station 5: 23 Meadow St.

While guests are settling in to watch the movie, firefighters will share fire safety and winter preparedness materials, as well as distribute popcorn and other refreshments.

Financial donations or gift cards are also welcome, especially for teens, and Kari Pesavento from Human Services Council will be at the firehouse to take those donations and answer questions about the program.

For questions about the event, please contact Michele DeLuca at (203) 854-0238, or email her at mdeluca@norwalkct.org.