How Myrtle Beach firefighters saved Christmas for a number of local youths

A fire wasn’t fully involved, but the task undertaken by Myrtle Beach firefighters Thursday required a similar type of urgency.

For the seventh consecutive year, the local fire department went Christmas shopping for area children.

Approximately 30 children will benefit from this year’s shopping spree. Assisted by wish lists presented by local kids, firefighters spent a couple hours going aisle to aisle in an effort to provide them a memorable holiday.

“For each child, we have a $100 budget that can be spent on clothes, toys, whatever they put on their list,” said Myrtle Beach Fire Lt. Jonathan Evans. “This has kind of developed over time, and with it we have seen the number of kids served grow too. We’re just happy to be able to serve the community and make sure the kids have a good Christmas, that’s what this time of year is about anyway.”

Funds for the shopping spree were made possible by donations and a pancake breakfast held by the Myrtle Beach Fire Department. While risking life and limb to ensure the safety of others is their life’s calling, Evans said it felt good to be of assistance in another way.

“I’ve helped with this in different ways the past several years, but this is the first time I’ve come out to shop,” Evans said. “Delivering to families and seeing the reaction on their faces, it is priceless.

“In this case, we’re trying to build a sense of community ahead of time. We understand kids may be reluctant to approach police or firefighters when they see us in our uniforms. We want that not to be a thing ... we’d rather them be able to come to us if they have a need.

“This is our way to give back to the community we serve and we’re happy to help out in any way we can.”

This story was originally published December 14, 2017 at 9:34 PM with the headline "How Myrtle Beach firefighters saved Christmas for a number of local youths."