Merrill Osmond, a member of the famous Osmond family, was in Chattanooga this week to support a local charity – the Forgotten Child Fund. Merrill was accompanied by his wife, Mary, and two grandchildren when he arrived at the Forgotten Child Fund toy store at 1715 East Main Street. Working with local volunteers and others who drove from around the region to meet the Osmond family, they packed boxes of toys that will be given to local families.
Merrill said his family has been involved in a similar operation in Salt Lake City, Utah, and when a friend here in Chattanooga mentioned what the Forgotten Child Fund was doing, he had to come and lend a hand. “This is a wonderful operation,” said Merrill. “There are so many families out there who need help, and I’m glad we can contribute to this worthwhile cause.”
The Forgotten Child Fund provides toys for hundreds of needy families throughout the area who are unable to buy Christmas presents for their children. It’s best known for the Santa Train, a long parade of emergency vehicles and personnel that delivers presents to families on Christmas Eve.
This charity is operated and supported by volunteers with many emergency response agencies, including: the Chattanooga Fire Department, Chattanooga-Hamilton County Rescue, the Chattanoga Police Department, Hamilton County Emergency Services, the Hamilton County Sheriff”s Department, Red Bank Fire Department, Signal Mountain Fire Department and several volunteer fire departments.
For more information on how to support the Forgotten Child Fund, visit the website at www.forgottenchildfund.com.
Source: Chattanooga Fire Department