Moreno Valley's Charter Hospice hosted the Charter Hospice Annual Firefighter Appreciation Lunch and kicked off the Spark of Love toy drive on Nov. 15. Every year, the annual firefighter appreciation luncheon is presented to the the firefighters of Sunnymead and Sunnymead Ranch fire stations to show Charter Hospice's appreciation for the many years of service given by these firefighters. Toys are donated by Charter Hospice staff and other volunteers, set for donation to children in the Spark of Love toy drive hosted by these firefighters annually at Christmas. Bonnie Beck, director of Bereavement and Volunteer Services, said, "For many years we have been doing the luncheon. It is a really huge deal for us to do this, and it is something that we all love to be a part of. We also want to make the community aware of Charter Hospice and what we do here as volunteers. We have been dedicated for many years, and want to continue to do so for our community." Helen Davis, a volunteer at Charter Hospice, explained, "We do this for the firemen because they are the ones who respond to [emergency situations] and we want to keep honoring them." After the luncheon finished, firefighters were presented with homemade cookies, brownies and fudge to take with them and enjoy on the road. Firefighter Steve Foley shared, "This is my seventh year coming to a luncheon and it is always good times. Every year the women here are very good to us and they are really wonderful people. We always love to come back and the food is always great."

Charter Hospice Holds Annual Firefighter Appreciation Lunch Kicks Off Spark of Love Toy Drive