KPLC 7 News, Lake Charles, LouisianaNYC firefighters delivering toys to Alabama
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Associated Press - December 3, 2009 5:44 AM ET
BAYOU LA BATRE, Ala. (AP) - New York City firefighters are making their annual trek to the Gulf Coast to deliver toys to needy children.
A group of 32 firefighters will distribute toys Friday in Bayou La Batre and then head to Mississippi and Louisiana.
The firefighters first delivered aid after Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast in 2005, and they have been returning every year to help children.
Alabama Gov. Bob Riley said the firefighters set a fine example of service in their response to the terrorist attacks in 2001, and they continue that tradition with their annual trips south.
Since Katrina, they've delivered 43 truckloads of supplies, books, toys and other items. This year, they are returning with eight truckloads.
Riley said the firefighters work in conjunction with the Stephen Siller Foundation to gather toys in New York and the Katrina Kids Toys/Mississippi Santa Program to deliver the toys on the Gulf Coast.
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