FOX LAKE, IL--(Marketwired - December 21, 2016) - For the 2nd year in a row, Shop with a Firefighter brought smiles and laughter to a group of deserving children in the local community. On Friday, Dec. 9th, holiday cheer was spread all throughout the air at Ray Chevrolet and Ray Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram on Route 12 in Fox Lake when they partnered with the Fox Lake Fire department to bring gifts to local children.
The program made stops around town to brighten needy children's holidays by introducing them to firefighter personnel and they taught them what they do to help the community, along with receiving clothes and toys.
According to Ray Scarpelli, founder of Shop with a Firefighter in Fox Lake and owner of Ray Chevrolet and Ray Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, around 60 children participated in the program this year. Ages ranged from 5 to 14 years old.
Approximately 10 to 15 firefighters, led by the Fox Lake Fire Department, escorted groups of children to Ray Chevrolet and Ray Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram where all the children and their parents enjoyed a pizza party. Santa, Mrs. Claus and even their reindeer made an appearance.
"It's a great way to get the kids to meet the firefighters," Scarpelli said.
Not only did Scarpelli and Ray Chevrolet and Ray Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram donate a generous Walmart gift card to each child for their upcoming shopping trip with the firefighters, the Fox Lake Fire Department matched the donation with an additional gift card. Also, all of the employees got together to pick the children's names out of a hat, and gave them a special gift to unwrap as an added bonus.
To end the day, the firefighters took the children on a shopping spree at Walmart with the gift cards they received to pick out whatever they wanted. In past years, it's been said that some children are seen picking out clothes and items for family members instead of toys for themselves.
"It's the best day of the year," Scarpelli said. "The looks on the kid's faces-what a feeling."
The Ray Auto Group has been serving Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin for over 25 years. They feature new Chevrolets and Chryslers Dodge Jeeps and Rams along with a huge selection of used vehicles. A Full service department is available.
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Contact Information:
Contact:
Tom Templeton
(847)587-3300
