Firefighter cadets wore festive attire last week as they traveled throughout Ocala to bring presents to over a dozen families in need.
On Saturday, December 17, the Ocala-Marion Mentorship Cadets dressed as elves and headed into local neighborhoods to deliver donations consisting of presents, groceries, and bicycles, according to Ocala Fire Rescue.
These generous gifts were donated by the Pay It Forward Outreach, which is a faith-based and community-driven outreach organization that assists families facing economic hardships by providing such items as furniture, housewares, and other necessities.
A fire truck, trailer, and several vehicles carried the cadets across the city as they brought Christmas cheer to 14 families and the many children that they met along the way.
The Ocala-Marion Mentorship program, which is offered by Ocala Fire Rescue in conjunction with Marion County Fire Rescue, is designed to help youth and young adults who are interested in joining the fire service by allowing them to explore the possibilities within the field.
Program participants, also known as cadets, meet three times a week for physical conditioning and technical activities. The program also provides opportunities for the cadets to volunteer in the community.
Ocala Fire Rescue stated, “What began as a delivery mission turned into a day of fun, reminding us that no matter what we have or what we get, Christmas is truly about sharing oursELVES.”