Community Involvement at its Best!

12/19/2018 (Permalink)

T’was the week before Christmas and all through SERVPRO, the decorations were hung with the SERVPRO sleigh loaded with gifts. All that was needed was firemen Phil, Urbana Fire Department (UFD) version of Saint Nick.

We here at SERVPRO of Champaign/Urbana love being involved in the community, whether it’s a Parade during the Holiday seasons or partnering with local programs. Each year our local Walmart and Meijer donate approximately 10 gifts cards to the UFD. With this donation the UFD contacts all Urbana schools and requests their recommendation of two to three families in need of a little help financially with Christmas gifts such as toys, clothes, shoes, and more.

What does the evening look like?

Families show up at SERVPRO around 5:30 pm. They start the evening with pizza, juice boxes, and water. The parents then head for their local Walmart or Meijer according to the gift card they were given. They will then meet with a Fire Fighter and Store associate who will walk around the store with the Parents. The Fire personnel and store employee help with the calculation on the purchases to stay within the designated amount, along with making sure the gifts are for the kids and purchases don’t include big ticket items like electronics.

Crafts, a bounce house, and so much more go into making this an enjoyable experience for the kids. Stations are set up throughout the warehouse for groups of 5 to move to during the night. Our staff of employees volunteer their time to help these kids have a great night. Some are at each station to give directions on what the kids will be able to do and oversee their area, while others are the group leaders and assists the children on their crafts , games, and getting them from one station to the next. We also have employees distributing the foods and drinks, along with treats and prizes for the homemade gift bags for each kid to take home. And don’t forget the Elves! Wondering around all night are our SERVPRO elves keeping an eye on the kids to report back to Santa.

SERVPRO of Champaign/Urbana Thanks the Urbana Fire Department and the families involved for allowing us to be a part of this annual event. If you would like to know how to donate or volunteer with us next year, Contact our office at (217) 355-0077 or the UFD Fire Marshal Phil Edwards at (217) 384-2445. MERRY CHRISTMAS from your friends at SERVPRO!