Spreading holiday cheer for kids

Saugus Fire Dept.’s Toy Drive will collect toys through Dec. 15 as a three-decades-old tradition continues

The Saugus Fire Department’s annual Toy Drive is in the second of its three-week-effort to brighten the spirits of kids in town who might not have much of a Christmas. “We hope to have the same success we have had for the past 30 years,” said Retired Saugus Fire Department Capt. Bill O’Malley, who has been spearheading the holiday good will project for more than three decades.

“We couldn’t have done it without all the wonderful people from Saugus who have generously donated all these years and helped to put smiles on many children’s faces,” he said.

Over the years, the Saugus Lions Club has been a generous supporter of the Saugus Fire Department’s Toy Drive. This year they are teaming up with Webster First Federal Credit Union at 509 Main St. in Saugus and will be collecting toys through tomorrow (Saturday, Dec. 7), when Lily the Lion and Mrs. Claus will be at the Bank to greet everyone.

Other drop off locations for donating new unwrapped toys, gift certificates or other items during the first two weeks in December will be at the lobby of the Saugus Fire and Police Department at 27 Hamilton St., Saugus Fire Department at 120 Essex St., Saugus Town Hall at 298 Central St., Saugus Senior Center at 466 Central St., Pearle Vision at 739 Broadway, Route 1 South, Rockland Trust, Village Park Main Street, and North Shore Bank at 1 Hamilton St. and 412 Lynn Fells Pkwy. The last pickup date will be Dec. 15. This Toy Drive helps support many families in need. If you have any questions, please call Capt. O’Malley at 781-233-7274.

Capt. O’Malley spent 36 years at the Saugus Fire Department before retiring in 2004. But he continues working with other retired Saugus firefighters and active members he calls “Santa’s Elves” in helping to spread a little Christmas cheer to some needy families this time of year. He and his wife Carole have been married for 65 years. And he credits her for being an asset to the holiday mission he’s been running for more than three decades.