WLS
CHICAGO — Off-duty Chicago firefighters and paramedics have been assembling hundreds of bicycles and red toy wagons for their 14th annual Toy Parade on Saturday. The bikes and wagons must be ready to be handed over to Catholic Charities for distribution throughout the city and suburbs.
It takes firefighter Gabriel Sanchez 10 minutes to assemble each bike and another 10 minutes to tweak it so they are safe to ride.
“It is a great feeling knowing that some kid wished for something and is getting that wish,” Sanchez said. “It is touching so many kids cannot get what they want for Christmas.” These firefighters serve citizens of Chicago on duty and that spirit of giving continues when they’re off duty. They solicit people for gifts and they also raise money amongst themselves to purchase thousands of toys.