Columbia Fire hosting open house and toy drive for good cause

May 23, 2024 1:13 PM EDT

Tiffany Rigby,

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– The Columbia-Richland Fire Department will be holding a free Community Open House at its headquarters station on Laurel Street.

Families in the area are invited to enjoy a day of firefighting themed fun on Friday June 21, 2024.

Between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. people will be able to get an up-close look at CRFD firetrucks, firefighting gear and equipment at the fire station.

As well as tour the department’s museum and enjoy games, music and food.

The Open House is to benefit the James R. Clark Sickle Cell Foundation.

The fire department says that while admission is free, all attendees are encouraged to bring a gift donation for a teen living with sickle cell anemia.

“This event really is about showing support for our area kids who are battling this lifelong debilitating condition,” said Columbia-Richland Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins.

According to the department, every item collected from the event will be distributed as Christmas gifts to the children during the holiday season.

It’s just a simple thing we can do to hopefully bring them some joy, and I hope that many people in our community will help us with that effort,” continued Chief Jenkins.