MARGATE - Hundreds of local residents gathered Friday night for Downbeach first responders’ annual festival of giving.
The members of the Ventnor, Margate and Longport Police and Firefighters Benevolent Associations held their annual “Winter Wonderland Toy Drive and Festival” at the Sigmund Rimm Recreation Complex off of Huntington Avenue. The festive atmosphere was enhanced with the goodwill of the people.
Children enjoyed a snowball fight in the field while others bounced around on inflatable rides. Music filled the air along with the smell of s’mores melting over an open flame under the watchful eye of Margate fire fighters. Children stopped by the snack stand to get their s’mores kits prepared by the members of the Margate Police Department.
Santa greeted children and their families in one tent, while vendors sold their wares in another. Volunteers from the Margate Mothers Association and the Margate Education Foundation were on hand offering temporary tattoos and holiday crafts. Children offered Christmas carols and Elsa and her “Frozen” friends milled about posing for photos. Santa’s Express carted children around the field. And the dancers from Leslie’s Dance Studio entertained in step.
But the real attraction was families entering the park bearing the gift of toys for children who might not receive many this holiday season. Although the Grinch was discovered rooting through the bounty of toys loaded in the rear of two police cruisers, even he had a change of heart before the night was through.
All of the toys donated during the event go to the Atlantic County Toys for Kids program, which provides toys for children during the holiday season and throughout the year upon request.
Members of the Ventnor, Margate and Longport PBAs and FMBAs held their annual Winter Wonderland Friday, Dec. 14 at the Sigmund Rimm Recreation Complex in Margate. The event collected gifts for the Atlantic County Toys for Kids program.Photos by Nanette LoBiondo Galloway & Steve Jasiecki
