With high unemployment and a pandemic happening simultaneously, Columbus Fireman’s Cheer Fund organizers are navigating some of the roughest waters ever experienced in the organization’s 90-year history.
And they believe unless the jobless situation and economy improves, demand for Cheer Fund assistance could be at the highest level in decades.
“But with the economy picking up, we’re hoping it won’t be that bad,” event co-chairman Ben Noblitt said.
Even with that, there are some major changes being implemented by the Cheer Fund to protect volunteers, those who are donating and recipients.
[sc:text-divider text-divider-title=”Story continues below gallery” ]Click here to purchase photos from this gallery
Here are some changes recently approved by the Cheer Fund board of directors:
No used toys
Since the Cheer Fund doesn’t have the time or resources to ensure all used gifts are disinfected and free of viruses, the Cheer Fund will not be accepting used toys this year, Noblitt said.
Contributors are asked to provide either new toys or financial contributions that will allow the charity to purchase specific items requested by children. However, Noblitt said the Cheer Fund has not been accepting used toys for several months.
“Last year, the kids got five new toys and two used,” Noblitt said. “This year, it will only be new toys.”
However, the charity does have several boxes of used toys that have not been handled since the virus emerged late last winter, so they don’t pose any potential health hazard, the co-chairman said.
“We have those on the back burner if we need them,” Noblitt said.
No open boxing nights
On the first Monday after the charity’s annual Chili Cookoff in early November, the Cheer Fund has traditionally invited the public in to help during open boxing sessions on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
But due to the risk of infection this year, no group of students under the age of 18 will be allowed to fill gift boxes this year, according to another co-chairman, Cory Hampton.
While small organizations with 10 or fewer members will be allowed to box gift items this year, all volunteers will have to sign consent forms, Hampton said.
This is not a decision that was made lightly, the co-chairmen said.
“For us, it’s fun to watch all the people come in and select items for children, as well as allow us to demonstrate what we do,” Noblitt said. “We’re going to miss that this year.”
It’s likely that firefighters will be recruited to pack gift boxes this year during their off-hours, Noblitt said.
Canceled fundraisers
Due to the health risks, several planned events that would have raised money for the Cheer Fund have been canceled. That includes the Green Egg Fest, Festival of Lights Parade, TerrorZ Roller Derby Challenge, BBQ Blues and Brews, and the Kroger Cookout, Noblitt said.
However, Kroger Marketplace, 3060 N. National Road, is planning to host a new toy drive on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., he said. In addition, the Roller Derby organizers are considering starting up their own toy drive challenge, Noblitt said.
In regard to the Chili Cookoff, a few key factors remain unknown for the moment, Hampton said.
“We’re still working out details, such as if it will be drive-thru service only,” he said.
With all of the challenges, it’s easy to assume Cheer Fund organizers might feel overwhelmed or discouraged this year. However, that is not the case.
“We’re concerned, but not too concerned about being able to take care of everything,” Noblitt said.
On the bright side
Despite challenges, there remains quite a bit that should make both supporters and recipients feel grateful, Noblitt and Hampton said.
First, the Cheer Fund has about three years of reserve funding in the bank. Just like so-called “Rainy Day” funds in government, Hampton says the reserves are kept just in case of tough times “like we’re having this year.”
But what if resources still come up short?
“We have a couple of (affluent) friends we can call and ask them to help out,” Noblitt said without offering any further details.
While the times are indeed turbulent, Hampton said challenges are nothing new for his organization.
For example, there was a November 2006 burglary of a Cheer Fund storage area off 12th Street that resulted in most of the gifts being stolen.
“But the community stepped up and we were still able to fill every box,” Hampton said.
New home
For the first time in its 90-year history, the Cheer Fund will finally have its own new permanent headquarters. The 8,000-square-foot building is located north of the Evolution Training Center, 2670 Verhulst St., in the Columbus AirPark area.
While most work on the building is completed, the facility still needs a finished driveway, small ramps to allow vehicles to enter and exit, the installation of two bathrooms, as well as a storage area, office and kitchenette, Noblitt said.
All Cheer Fund items are now in storage after the charity moved out of last year’s temporary headquarters in FairOaks Mall, Noblitt said.
But if all goes according to plan, the charity will begin moving all of those stored items into their permanent headquarters around the first of October, he said.
The Holiday Hotline, which can be used by income-eligible parents and guardians to register a child for assistance, will be in operation from Oct. 12 through Dec. 4. The hotline telephone number is 812-375-2216.
“We’re hoping a lot of the health risks die down by the Dec. 12 delivery day,” Noblitt said. “But we will ask all deliverers to wears masks, as well as gloves if they prefer.”
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”Important dates for recipients” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
The Holiday Hotline, where parents or guardians may register a child for assistance from the Cheer Fund and other holiday charities, will become active on Monday, Oct. 12.
Registration can be done over the telephone at 812-375-2216. The deadline to register for assistance is Friday, Dec. 4.
The delivery date for the 90th annual Columbus Fireman’s Cheer Fund is Saturday, Dec. 12.
[sc:pullout-text-end][sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”How to help” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
Financial contributions are usually the best way to contribute to the Columbus Fireman’s Cheer Fund.
While donations of new toys are always appreciated, the Cheer Fund cannot accept used toy donations this year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Contributions are accepted at any city fire station in the Columbus area. More specific information can be found at firemenscheerfund.org and at the organization’s Facebook page.
[sc:pullout-text-end]
