MONTAUK, NY — Montauk residents opened their hearts to residents of Maui, who were devastated by a raging fire in August that left at least 97 dead in one of the deadly fires in recent U.S. history.
Every year the Montauk Fire Department sets up a Red Toy Box on The Green, where people can leave donated holiday gifts. This year the gifts were all sent to the Lahaina, Maui Fire Department for distribution to the children of local victims’ families of the August 8 fire, fire officials said.
The fire also claimed many buildings in the historic town.
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The blaze came as a surprise, leaving once busy streets covered in rubble and burned out cars. People on the island had little time to pack up their belongings to flee from danger. Firefighters worked round the clock to contain the inferno, while hundreds gather at the Kahului Airport waiting for flights off the island.
Dennis O’Reilly of Montauk Fire Company No. 5 has been in charge of the toy drive for 15 years. The MFD also donated $3,000 to Lahaina for victim relief.
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Bryan Staubitser of Ladder Company 3 in Lahaina, Maui sent a letter of thanks: “On behalf of the Maui firefighters who were displaced from their homes following the Lahaina fire on August 8, 2023, I want to sincerely thank the Montauk Fire Department and the community of Montauk for their outpouring of love and support. The generous donation of toys that were sent to Lahaina fire station will bring joy and smiles to the families of these firefighters this holiday season.”
He added: “This intangible act coming from my hometown makes me so proud. The brotherhood/sisterhood is a beautiful thing in the fire service and it is an honor being a part of it. Thank you, Montauk, for thinking of our first responders here on Maui. We hope you have a happy and safe holiday season!”
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