Eleven Point Christmas ‘Biggest One Yet’

Every year at Christmas time, Eleven Point Fire Department travels throughout Willow Springs bringing wrapped toys to families who otherwise may not have a merry holiday. The event always involves blazing fire trucks and police cars, but like many things in 2020, the giveaway was a little different this year. 

For a start, it was the biggest event the group has ever orchestrated. Fire Chief Frank Vanhorn said he did not turn anyone away this year. In a normal year, they would deliver a couple hundred presents. This year, volunteers wrapped almost 400 presents for almost 80 children in 19 families. 

Vanhorn expressed thanks to the volunteers who came to the fire station with donations of wrapping paper and to those who worked on Wednesday night wrapping presents for seven hours.

Officers from the Willow Springs Police Department accompanied the Grinch and the members of the fire department on their delivery mission with their cruisers completely full of presents. 

“I was impressed with this little community,” Vanhorn said.