Help the Newport Beach Firefighters raise money for the 2024 Fire Santa Recipient – The Gallant Family
Jasmine Gallant is a local single mother of four children ages 9, 7, 3 and 2. Her son Silas has Arthrogryposis which is a rare condition affecting his joints. He has undergone 15 surgeries and counting, continuous physical therapy and requires hands on care for most basic needs. He recently grew out of his childhood wheelchair and is using a temporary one purchased on Ebay that is not properly fitted for him. Despite the adversities that he faces the faculty at Newport Heights Elementary highlighted him for being kind hearted, well received, happy and positive. He has a tough journey ahead of him and even aspires to be a police officer some day.
The family lives with their grandfather who has resided in Newport Beach since the 1950’s. With help from Grandpa, Jasmine’s effort has been noted by the school for her children’s attendance, academics and outlook.
Given the Gallant’s hardships, Christmas hasn’t been the priority that many families are accustomed to having. When asked what her needs were this holiday season she simply stated,”Food and clothing for the family would be great.” Fire Santa plans to deliver above and beyond giving these children a Christmas they will not soon forget.
Every year the Newport Beach Fire Firefighters adopt a local family during the Christmas season through our Fire Santa Program. Our goal has always been to extend our service to the community we already serve by assisting those families who are unable to support themselves due to extenuating circumstances.
This program started 19 years ago with the idea of helping a child / children to receive everything they would want for Christmas.(Christmas tree, gifts, Christmas dinner, decorations, etc.) throughout the entire month of December. What we found is that there was SO much more that these families needed. This quickly became our primary focus. With a large focus of fundraising through community support we have completed total home remodels, months worth of groceries, job placement and paying off medical bills or rent checks to avoid eviction.
We always conclude each year with a check made out to the family we serve. Although the tasks are different every year, the one remaining constant is the enormous impact our family / community can make to the family we serve. This year is turning out to be no exception.
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