A local organization is helping make a difference in the Perry community this holiday season.

The Perry Volunteer Fire Department assisted in delivering gift baskets to 46 families within the community. Fire Chief Grason Hill shares that the volunteer fire department collaborates with the Dallas County Sheriff’s Benevolent Association, who has gift baskets ready with the addresses to drop off to. He describes that the volunteers will run to Adel to pick up the items, then deliver them to families in Perry. Hill has been apart of this event for many years, and appreciates having an opportunity to help out less fortunate families.

“We all know that times are tough for a lot of people right now, through the things that have happened in Perry over the past year or so, and it just gives you a nice feeling with all of my fellow firefighters when we do this. It’s just a joy of helping out around the holidays of taking these to families, because they are very appreciative when we get there. Most generally, there’s always someone at the door waiting to open the door for us, and it’s nice to wish them a Merry Christmas and help them out, and they wish us a Merry Christmas back.”

Hill mentions that each family is given two large boxes, which are approximately three feet long by a foot and half high, that are filled with a variety of items like clothing, toys, and other essential materials needed. He expresses that a box of meat is also gifted to the families for food. Hill admits that it warms his heart to see people’s faces light up when they are given the boxes.