Difference Makers: Firefighters Emphasize Gratitude Through Holiday Meal Giveaway

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ALTON - On this Christmas Day, Alton Firefighters Local 1255 members will likely reflect for a moment on how much their turkey giveaway on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, at the Crisis Food Center means to families in the city in need.

The Local 1255 provided funds for the annual event, and the Crisis Food Center donated sides for the families. The effort is led by Alton Fire Department Battalion Chief Derrick Richardson.

The Alton firefighters are true Difference Makers in their community.

The giveaway was conducted as a drive-up event, with vehicles lining up on Market Street this past Saturday between East 4th and East 6th Streets. Drivers turned right onto East 6th Street and pulled up in front of the food center, where firefighters loaded a turkey and a bag of sides into each car’s trunk. The distribution was on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies lasted.

Richardson said many lined up early, and the turkeys and sides were going fast in the first 30 minutes of the event.

Richardson emphasized the partnership between Local 1255 and the Crisis Food Center, noting that both organizations shared the costs of purchasing the turkeys and sides.

“This is an ongoing relationship between Local 1255 and CFC since the first turkey giveaway in 2017,” Richardson said. “Both organizations are committed to helping those in need celebrate with a good holiday meal.”

Richardson also highlighted the importance of giving back to the community.

“We feel that it is necessary and important to show the community that we appreciate them as much as they appreciate us,” he said. “We wanted to give back in a way that would definitely impact the families in our community. The turkey giveaway is just one way for us to thank the community.”

He expressed pride in being part of the organization and the event. “I love being a firefighter. We love helping people, and I am glad we started this giveaway right before Christmas,” Richardson said.

"The public was very receptive on Saturday and the weather was perfect,” he added.

Local 1255 began the turkey giveaway in 2017 as a way to brainstorm meaningful ways to support the community.

“We put some money together, partnered with Crisis Food Center, and we want to give back to the public. It is great to give to those in need,” Richardson said.

If you have a Difference Makers idea, e-mail news@riverbender.com with a photo and contact information or text (618) 623-5930.

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