“ Most of the residents there are pretty profound ,” Matheson said . “ So he brought it back and the fire department soon after joined in .”
According to Matheson , the
Mayor Scott Matheson delivers goodies to the residents of
Parkwood Developmental Center .
Valdosta Fire Department does a lot of the legwork on the toys and the toiletries and all of the things that they gather .
Since partnering with the Valdosta Fire Department , the
City of Valdosta has created four drop boxes .
“ We have drop boxes for people to be able to drop off items ,” Matheson said .
Drop boxes are located throughout the city with one located at the Valdosta City Hall Annex for non-monetary donations .
Once all of the items are collected , Matheson partners with the VFD and they ride together to Parkwood Developmental Center .
“ We pick a date and we all go over to the center ,” said Matheson . “ We take a fire truck . We make quite a parade going in there . Inside we get to visit and distribute all the toys and the age appropriate things . Toiletries . They love it .”
Upon the conclusion of handing out goodies , Matheson and the firefighters take the residents outside and lifts them up into the fire apparatus to pose for pictures .
Susan Boone , the administrator of the Parkwood Developmental Center also spoke on last year ’ s motorcade and the joy it brings to her residents .
“ The community support is overwhelming ,” she said . “ The residents enjoy the interaction with the firemen and the fire trucks . The City brings toys for the children . The mayor and his staff are here . It just fills our place with Christmas cheer ”
For more information on how to get involved and help collect items for the Mayor ’ s Motorcade , contact Sharah ’ Denton at ( 229 ) 259-3548 or email her at sdenton @ valdostacity . com .
December 2023 | Valdosta Scene 33