On Thanksgiving Day, the Manheim Township Fire Rescue (MTFR) and Manheim Township Police Department (MTPD) participated in their first Turkey Bowl. MTFR bested MTPD by a score of 48 to 36 in overtime. During the free event, the organizations collected nonperishable food items to be distributed to those in need. The event was one of many holiday activities planned by Manheim Township organizations.

To enhance the holiday spirit of the area, MTFR, MTPD, and the Manheim Township Fire Foundation have also partnered to collect Toys for Tots and to hold A Morning With Santa event on Saturday, Dec. 17, at the Richmond Square Fire Station, 600 Richmond Drive, Lancaster, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. "Santa will pose for photos with kids," said MTFR Chief Scott Little, who added that candy canes, cookies, hot chocolate, and coffee will be available for those who attend. Of the partnership organizing the event, Little noted, "We will each (do our part) to make it a magical holiday season for Manheim Township residents."

Items collected from the food drive will be distributed to local organizations that fight food insecurity, such as Blessings of Hope, Power Packs, and Arch Street Center. Food will be accepted at the MTPD and all MTFR stations through Sunday, Dec. 18.

Items for Toys for Tots will also be accepted at those same locations through Dec. 18. There is a special need for toys for boys and girls ages 8 to 12.

"As public servants, it's more than a job; it's a calling to serve," said Little. "That's a top priority in the community." In that capacity, Little sees opportunities to reach out. "We want to be good stewards as employees of the township," he said. "To build relations as much as we can." He noted that both the Turkey Bowl and the Morning With Santa events have specific purposes. "We can have those direct intentional conversations with members of our community in a good setting to come together over the holidays and celebrate what it means to be good people in all these magical season moments," he said.

More information about MTFR may be found at https://mtfr.net/ or by searching for "Manheim Township Fire Rescue" on Facebook.