Christmas gifts for Sandy victims

WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y.(WIVB) - It's been a tough season in parts of New York and New Jersey that were devastated by Hurricane Sandy and today, volunteers in Williamsville did something to make the season bright for storm victims.

"How do you take the devastation that just occurred with hurricane Sandy and tell a child 3 years old, 6 years old, that Santa's not going to come," says Holly Schiferle from the Williamsville Fire Department.

The Williamsville Fire Department held a toy collection for the families of the Island Park Volunteer Fire Department on Long Island will be able to enjoy Christmas.

Schiferle says the fire department lost all of its equipment but not their spirits. 40-50 families and firefighters are making the walls of the department their home where they're sleeping on cots set up within the building.

Michael Grant of Williamsville says, "Just because they might not have homes and might not have electricity yet, Santa still has to come. We have to help those kids out because they still expect Santa to come."

There was a huge response from the community as well as a $500 donation from Kaegebein Elementary on Grand Island.

Christopher Petrie, the Williamsville Fire Department Chief says, "As you can see, we are pretty busy over here with our fire department elves doing all the wrapping but so far it's been a hit."

A few members of the fire department will be making the trip down on December 21st to the 23rd with the gifts however they are still in need of a cargo van or Uhaul.

For more information or to arrange a different donation time, please contact 716-523-1343 or log onto: www.HutchinsonHose.com