TFR Accepting Donations for Annual Rescue Elves Program

TEMPLE, TX (November 13, 2023) – Temple Fire and Rescue is accepting donations for their annual Rescue Elves program that provides gifts and necessary items to Temple families during the holiday season.

Through the program, TFR works directly with Temple ISD school counselors to identify families that may be in need of assistance with Christmas gifts for their children ages 0-18. Using donated monetary resources, TFR and Rescue Elves volunteers purchase items based on the children’s requests and distribute them to the families. Residents have the option to donate via Venmo @Rescueelves or in person at TFR’s hosted fundraiser on Sunday, November 18, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Wings, Pizza N Things.

“We are proud to be part of the Rescue Elves Program, and it is something that is special to the department,” said Temple Fire Chief Mitch Randles. “We’re honored to be able to take part in the community’s spirit of giving and helping make the holidays brighter for families.”

There will also be Rescue Elves Christmas trees placed in several locations, and residents will have the opportunity to choose a family’s wish list off the tree and purchase the requested items directly. Trees will be up from November 13 through December 6 at the following locations:

  • Temple Fire & Rescue Central Station Lobby, located at 210 N 3rd St, Temple, TX 76501
  • Bold Republic Brewing, located at 7070 Stonehollow, Temple, TX 76502
  • Wes’s Burger Shack, located at 1301 S 1st St, Temple, TX 76504
  • Maximize Potential, located at 37 Morgan’s Point Rd #102, Belton, TX 76513
  • Point Fitness, located at 110 Morgan’s Point Rd, Belton, TX 76513

All purchased gifts must be new and left unwrapped and can be dropped off at the tree locations or any of the Temple fire stations by Wednesday, December 6.

In 2022, the Rescue Elves program provided help to over 230 kids from 78 families. In hopes of continuing to increase the number of families helped, TFR accepts monetary donations for the program throughout the year.