KENNEBUNK — To a few families in Kennebunk, they might as well be Santa’s helpers. But there’s nothing magical about Kennebunk Fire and Rescue. The decision by some in the department to buy and deliver gifts to those in need was simply a part of their DNA.
On Monday night, emergency medical technicians loaded an ambulance with donated Christmas presents, and delivered them to two Kennebunk families who they thought might be in need this holiday season. According to staff, the families were not expecting any deliveries. Unaware of any effort by the department to put together an impromptu gift drive, they were caught by surprise as the EMTs pulled up to their homes with a bounty of shiny packages.
The decision to help these families grew organically from interactions the EMTs had with them in the community.
“We just did this on our own,” said EMT Skip Dascanio, “based on circumstances we ran into while on the job.
“We decided to make sure they had a good Christmas.”
Fellow EMT Kelsey Shields met a younger boy belonging to one of the families while out in the community, and at first decided she was going to merely buy him a gift herself.
“I went and bought him a winter jacket,” said Shields, “but then I thought other people might like to help.”
And help they did. Thanks to donations, the boy received the winter jacket, along with some Nerf toys, video games and hockey equipment.
Dascanio in particular had praise for District Fire Chief Dana Ingham, the Kennebunk Police Department, four fire and rescue associations, and private donations for helping to amass the presents.
“We didn’t do this for the publicity,” said Dascanio. “We just wanted to help people.”
EMT Alicia Blanchard was also instrumental in organizing the effort. Blanchard had met a teenage girl in another family, and much as Shields had done, decided that the youth’s situation warranted an effort by the department to help.
“I was amazed at what an extraordinary young lady she was,” said Blanchard. “Skip and I got to talking, to see if the association could get together and help.
“What started out as something very simple turned into something special.”
Deputy Fire Chief Andy Turcotte, who helped to facilitate the drive, views the EMTs’ efforts as “part of the DNA of the department.”
“We’re more than just a fire and rescue organization,” said Turcotte. “We are about giving back. It makes me feel extraordinarily proud of our organization.”
Shields couldn’t wait to hop aboard the ambulance and spread a little holiday cheer.
“It feels really good,” said Shields. “It’s the real spirit of Christmas.”
— Staff Writer Jeff Lagasse can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 319, or at jlagasse@journaltribune.com.
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