MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif -- What started out as a one-time community service project has turned into an ongoing partnership for Marine Corps Air Station Miramar’s firefighters.
Every year Miramar’s Fire Department supports a family in need for their annual adopt-a-family program, and this past holiday season the department decided to adopt their biggest family to date — approximately 70 children.
Chris Hilde, firefighter, MCAS Miramar, still keeps in touch with the Casa Hogar Belen Orphanage, which is located in Tijuana, Mexico. He regularly makes personal visits to the orphanage, bringing with him toys, day-to-day living essentials and a big heart.
“Giving doesn’t stop after the holiday season,” said Hilde, a Ladera Ranch, Calif., native. “Donating our time and efforts to the orphanage is just an extension of our regular job duties, and this taste of gifts and giving is needed for these children year-round.”
Many children at Casa Hogar Belen were either abandoned, came from dysfunctional families, or were physically, sexually and psychologically abused.
The orphanage receives no support from the Mexican government and relies on the financial support from churches and other organizations for food, diapers and other supplies, said Ana Britta, volunteer assistant, Casa Hogar Belen
“We are very thankful to Chris and the whole fire department,” said Britta. “This was the first time that any fire department has gotten involved in our ministry, and they blessed us with so many things that we needed. When Chris arrived here for the first time, the children ran to the gate and started yelling ‘the firemen arrived, the firemen arrived.’ They really admire him and the rest of the department. We are all very grateful.”
Hilde recommended the orphanage to fellow firefighter, Robert Diaz, originator of the department’s adopt-a-family-program, after visiting Casa Hogar Belen with his family and church group.
Soon Diaz was making contacts with local vendors, including Miramar’s Commissary and Exchange for food, TVs and other invaluable items to donate to the orphanage. Miramar’s firefighters also pitched in, contributing toys and daily items like shampoo, hygiene items and clothes.
“We’re in a position to help out as a firefighter,” said Diaz. “People tend to rally around us, and we could use that to our advantage to do something good. I’m proud of Chris and the guys for helping out. It’s great that everyone can gather together for a project like this.”
Britta couldn’t be more thankful to Miramar’s firefighters for working as a team to support the orphanage.
“I definitely believe that a b ond has been built between the firefighters and our children,” said Britta. “Miramar’s firefighters were truly our Santa Claus this past Christmas, and they still are.”