Fire department spreads Christmas cheer Published Dec. 14, 2006 By Susan Burritt 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- The Fire Department Christmas Cheer and Toy Donation Drive is still accepting toys and food for its 28th annual drive. Toy donations will be accepted at Fire Station 1 at Wyoming Boulevard and F Street and Fire Station 2 located on San Mateo Boulevard through Monday. The event will take place Tuesday, beginning at 10:45 a.m. for senior citizens and at about 11:30 a.m. the families and children will be served. Base busses will be bringing the recipients from the surrounding communities, including the Cesar Chavez Community Center at Kathryn Street and Louisiana Boulevard. Frank Trusiano, a lieutenant in the fire department at Station No. 2, said there is still need for toys and food and also volunteers for Tuesday. "Volunteers could help serve food, sort toys or help with face painting," he said. There will also be a petting zoo and Santa Claus will be on hand to visit with the children. Mr. Trusiano said help could be used in the kitchen and cooking as well, although experience in safe food handling practices would be required. The Christmas Cheer program was started in 1978 by a retired military fire department officer, when 28 people benefited from the donations. This year, about 2,000 people are expected to receive meals and gifts. Brent Rescineto, a fire inspector with the fire department here said, "We hope to be able to accommodate more people next year." Mr. Trusiano said they are always looking for big canned items, such as vegetables and powdered drink mixes. Perishable foods to be served at the meal on Tuesday are also welcome. For more information or to volunteer, call Mr. Trusiano at the fire department at 846-8308, or Mr. Rescineto at 853-1212.