Long Beach volunteer firefighters give back for the holidays

For the past three years, the volunteer members of the Long Beach Fire Department have donated to local elementary schools during the holiday season to help children in need.

This year, about $1,600 in gift cards was donated to East School.

“For the families that are struggling we just want to ease the burden a little bit,” said former Chief Richard Corbett said, “and we want the kids to enjoy the holidays like everyone should.”

Each company within the Fire Department donates $200, while the chief’s office also donates $200 and the rest is collected from public donations, he said.

“Aside from giving back our time trying to help the city,” Corbett said, “we also try to help when there’s not an emergency.”