News

While the names of some toys on children’s holiday lists have changed over the years – like virtual reality headsets, baby Yoda toys, and Google play cards – the desire to bring them joy remains the same. 

The East St. Louis Fire Department (ESLFD) Local 23 delivered bags full of Christmas wishes on Monday, Dec. 19 for students in the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Center’s Project Success program.  Also gifting students with toys was Christopher Wright, SIUE assistant director of Intercollegiate Athletics. 

“We are so grateful to the East St. Louis Fire Department and the SIUE Athletic Department for caring,” said Project Success Program Director Tiana Montgomery, during the holiday party in the Multipurpose Room on the Wyvetter H. Younge Higher Education Campus. “Their generosity shows the children, that even with challenges in the world today, there are people who genuinely care about them and their well-being.” 

ESLFD Capt. Andre Howliet contacted Montgomery to ask how his department could help during the holiday season. 

“I interviewed each child and asked them for their top three wishes for Christmas,” Montgomery explained. “I put their answers on a list for the ESLFD and also included items such as shoes and coats.” 

Howliet has been involved with helping the needy at Thanksgiving and Christmas for the last six years. He learned about the Project Success program when he taught fire safety to the students in October.  

“I asked Ms. Montgomery if we would be allowed to help the children,” he said. “For me, this goes back to when I was 10 years old and homeless. I always felt like if I ever got a chance to help someone, I would,” continued Howliet, “because there were a couple of people in my life who helped me.” 

“I truly hope the children of Project Success feel extra special today and every day,” said Montgomery. “We are forever grateful to the ESLFD and the SIUE Athletics Department for being our angels this year.” 

The Project Success Program is a comprehensive after-school tutorial enrichment childcare program, which services children ages 5-14. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services funds the program. It is designed to serve children who are in protective custody and are referred by the Department of Children and Family Services caseworkers. The program provides services to children living within the St. Clair County and Madison County areas.  

Photos:
(Left) Tiana Montgomery, Project Success program director, and Kathy Walker-Steele, interim SIUE East St. Louis Center administrator, and ESLFD members arrange presents to give to the children. (Right) ESLFD Capt. Andre Howliet carries in wrapped presents.   

(Left) (L-R) Howliet, Capt. K. Manso, Montgomery and Lt. P. Jackson. (Right): A Project Success program student receives gifts from Manso.