During the holiday season, members from the Guam Fire Department (GFD) made donations of toys, non-perishable food items, and hygiene products to Guam's foster care home Guma Mina'ase also known as the Sister Brigid RSM Foster Care Emergency Center.

The home, which was opened in May of 2021, helps ensure that the foster children that walk through the doors get a fair chance at life no matter their current circumstances.

GFD Acting Fire Chief Joey San Nicolas said, “As you know over the years, the Guam Fire Department has always tried to give back to our community and give back to the island. We wake up everyday knowing that we are blessed with a benevolent job that we have and we just like to return that from time to time.”

According to San Nicolas, Fire Lt. James Mafnas was responsible for the first donation drive. “He coordinated the drive within GFD as well as using Fire Prevention Week which we celebrated in October to reach out to the general public for donations,” He said.

In November, GFD along with Dept. of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) presented to Guma Mina'ase items like diapers, toilet paper, and house cleaning supplies. Items that came highly requested.

Last week, working with the Salvation Army, GFD donated gifts to the pediatric ward of Guam's only public hospital.

Closing out the week, a presentation was made at the Barrigada fire station to staff of the foster home of toys and necessities that were collected by station 3 and 2.

San Nicolas hopes that the children are putting to good use the donations and hopes it brings a smile to their face.

He said, “We committed that this is not the end. We look to do it again, maybe same time next year. We thanked them. As much as we are public servants, they are no less a public servant than we are. They do an amazing job. It takes amazing people to do that kind of work...line of work. And we are just grateful that we can be counted amongst them.”