Brewster Firefighters Camp Out To Raise Awareness And Collect Donations

BREWSTER – Don’t be alarmed if you see a Brewster firefighter sleeping in a tent just off Main Street.

It’s not that there’s no space left in the new fire station nor that he or she has been exiled from the brotherhood of their fellows. But it is a comment on the high cost of housing in Brewster and other Cape towns.

It’s Homeless for the Holidays in Brewster.

From 8 a.m. Dec. 6 to noon on Dec. 10, one or more Brewster firefighters will be camped out in the parking lot of the Immaculate Conception Chapel at 2580 Main St. (Route 6A). That’s to raise awareness on the issue of homelessness as well as to collect unwrapped toys for tots, gift cards and non-perishable food.

“There will be someone at the camp 24 hours a day. One person will be out in the elements,” fire department medic Gretchen Riley said, who is coordinating the event this year.

“The entire department, 21 members, is participating,” she said. “It’s not just Brewster doing it. Orleans is doing it. Harwich is doing it, Dennis and others across the Cape.”

Homeless for the Holidays was originated by the Bourne Fire Department 22 years ago and has spread across the Cape. Riley said some off Cape towns are participating as well.

“We have a giant canvas tent we use,” Riley said. “And we’ll have fire barrels burning. We’ll have Christmas lights up to keep us visible.”

The toys and food donations collected at the campsite will be given to the Family Pantry of Cape Cod in Harwich. The recipient of monetary gifts will be determined. Last year the funds went to the Lower Cape Outreach Council.

“We’ll take new unwrapped toys for all ages,” Riley said. “We do have a box at the station in the lobby as well or you can come visit at the campsite.”

Riley said last year the department collected around 1,000 toys, $3,500 and 600 pounds of food.

“This is just to give back to the community,” she said. “We see the need and we want to help.”

Bourne is holding its 22nd Homeless For the Holidays at the Bay Motor Inn at the same time as Brewster on Dec. 8, and 9, and there will also be music from local bands.

Orleans Firefighters will also be camping out Dec. 6 to Dec. 10 at 116 Route 6A next to the Red Balloon toy shop. They’re also accepting toys and food and all contributions go to Lower Cape Outreach Council. Dec. 9 from 9 a.m. to noon is Family Day and kids can have their picture taken with Santa Claus and meet the firefighters.

Harwich Homeless for the Holidays will be at Brooks Park Dec. 6 to Dec. 10, and on Saturday Dec. 9, there will be music from noon to 2 p.m. Firefighters will be there for 103 consecutive hours and all donations go to the Family Pantry and Toys For Tots.