BANGOR, Maine (WABI) – Local firefighters traded their trucks for shopping carts Tuesday night as members of the Bangor Fire Department hit Walmart for holiday shopping.

For the past two decades, they have been raising money and purchasing presents for kids in Penobscot County through Toys for Tots.

The department says they saw an increase in donations this year.

They raised over $3,000 to make sure hundreds of local kids wake up to presents under their tree Christmas morning.

Firefighters say this is the day they look forward to the most all year, as they can get out into the community and spread holiday cheer.

“Many times, when people are dealing with the fire department, it’s under less than ideal circumstances. That weighs on the public and it weighs on us as well. So, being able to do something like this is a great way for us to give back to those that have been affected throughout the year,” describes Bangor FD firefighter Josh Lilley.

Lilley says Bangor Fire Department is hoping to expand their Toys for Tots program for future years.

Their annual shopping sprees are funded by the department’s business sponsors along with personal donations. Lilley adds they are already accepting donations for next year!

If you would like to donate, you can contact Lilley by calling (207) 299-7101 or through email at josh.lilley@bangormaine.gov.

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