Randy Barkley worries about families stressed by inflationary high costs.
“When you’re hungry and can’t provide for your family, that’s an emergency,” the Watauga fire chief said.
Barkley helped organize a toy and food drive involving four northeast Tarrant County fire and police departments to put food on the table for families in need and make children smile this Christmas.
The first responders teamed up with the Community Enrichment Center, a North Richland Hills nonprofit at 6250 NE Loop 820 that provides food, low-income housing and other services to those in need. Their ongoing collection of toys and food will benefit the center’s growing client base as well as children in the Birdville ISD.
“When local cities come together for a common cause, it’s powerful,” said Bryan Downer, CEO of the enrichment center. “This partnership with our local first responders truly shows the heart of our community — neighbors helping neighbors and making sure every child experiences the joy of Christmas.”
The effort involves first responders from North Richland Hills, Haltom City, Richland Hills and Watauga.
Gifts will also be provided to Birdville ISD students who are enrolled in the reduced lunch program, Downer said.
Firefighters committed to collect food to help restock the Community Enrichment Center’s food pantry, which is experiencing increased demand because of inflation and the recent 43-day government shutdown. More than 3,500 families from Tarrant and 13 other counties depend on the nonprofit for food.
Downer said the nonprofit’s staff sees about 10% more clients each day.
Barkley called the Community Enrichment Center “a great organization that helps families.”
He said it was natural that the four cities coordinated their efforts since they already share a dispatch center and jail.
“We work seamlessly together,” Barkley said.
The collection effort “is open and active right now,” Barkley said. Donations can be dropped off at any fire station in the four cities.
“The community is really being impacted by inflation and the recent government shutdown,” Barkley said. “This is our part to make a difference and help out.”
Eric E. Garcia is a senior business reporter at the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at eric.garcia@fortworthreport.org.
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