Santa, local firefighters deliver Christmas joy to Pinellas County families in need

LEALMAN, Fla. (WFLA) — This Christmas Eve, Santa recruited several firefighters and employees from the Lealman Fire District to help him spread holiday cheer to many local families.

Around 150 families, which includes more than 3,000 children, were given presents as Santa was escorted through the community on a fire truck.

“Puts a tear in your eye when you see these kids and they see what’s going on,” Lealman Fire District Division Chief Jim Millican said.

The first stop on their list was visiting the family of Gia Balch, 10, who was affected by a fire only a few days ago.

“It’s been hard to lose everything and then a week before Christmas is crazy, but we’ve had so much help, so much help so much support,” Gia’s parent Carly Rush said.

Gia was gifted a tablet, a bow and several other presents to help replace what she may have lost in the fire.

Pray and have faith,” Gia’s Parent James Balch said. “It’s been truly a lot of blessings from all of this.”

If you are interested in helping out with this holiday event in the years to come, click here to find out how to contact the Lealman Fire District .

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