Lexington, Kentucky – The Lexington Fraternal Order of Firefighters (FOF) held its annual Christmas auction and toy program on Saturday, December 14, 2024, to support local families and children experiencing financial struggles. This year’s program, hosted at a building transformed into a festive “North Pole,” aimed to provide a joyful shopping experience for families during the holiday season.
FOF President and firefighter Lt. Chris MacFarlane emphasized the program’s mission: “We don’t ask any questions; we say, ‘If you need help, the Lexington firefighters are going to be here to help you.’” This marked the 94th year of the toy program, showcasing a long-standing commitment to community support.
Over 840 families, representing roughly 3,000 children, registered for the event. Families were given multiple tickets to select toys in a setup resembling a traditional toy store. MacFarlane stated, “We set it up like a giant toy store so that families get to feel the same experience as others during this time of year.”
In addition to local volunteers, student interpreters from Bryan Station Middle School’s Spanish Immersion Program aided non-English speaking families. Eleven-year-old interpreter Lily MacFarlane noted, “It really helps when there’s a group of people that can help them speak their native language.” About 30 of the 120 volunteers were student interpreters.
Family participants shared heartfelt testimonies about the impact of the toy program. Lovanda Tipton expressed her anticipation for Legos for her son and appreciated the support for low-income families. “Especially as high and expensive things are now, these things help,” she said. Fellow mothers Nicole Descartes and Jessica Guillen reflected on the program’s significance, with Descartes adding, “If I didn’t have this in my life for the past four years, I don’t know how I would’ve got my kids a lot of stuff.”
The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated contributed by enhancing the diversity of dolls available, honoring the legacy of Brenda Cowan, Lexington’s first black female firefighter. Alumna Denise Hayden stated, “It is important to give children a doll that looks like them,” highlighting the initiative’s focus on representation.
Prior to the toy distribution, Lexington FOF members organized an auction on December 8 to fund the toy purchases, raising approximately $40,000. This funding enabled the purchase of nearly 12,000 toys along with books, stuffed animals, and craft supplies, ensuring families received nurturing items alongside toys.
MacFarlane acknowledged the emotional weight tied to the fundraising, dedicating it to the late firefighter Chuck Williams, who died in the line of duty in 1997. “It’s just a very emotional day, but a very exciting day,” he remarked.
Throughout the event, the Lexington firefighters not only provided essential support to families but also enjoyed a reprieve from their regular duties dealing with emergencies. “This time of year, we get to do something a little different. We’re still helping people, but in a more positive way,” MacFarlane concluded.
