Christmas brighter thanks to generosity

On Dec. 3, Lake Stevens Firefighters had their second annual fundraiser called Tips for Firefighters at Ixtapa Restaurant. The owner, Francisco, and his staff allowed us to bus tables for extra tips to buy Christmas presents for needy children in our community. His staff is a well-oiled machine and did a great job. Inside, firefighters with their Santa hats and stockings worked as table hosts. Outside, there was an engine and two aid units that kids and parents could tour.

That evening the great community of Lake Stevens came out and supported our kids. With all the natural disasters this year, the citizens of Lake Stevens graciously donated once again. We raised $2,369 in extra tips for 31/2 hours of work. Words will never convey the gratitude in my heart for the support from this great community and Francisco. This year, 31 kids in our community will have a Christmas that I hope will be a little more special and one they will always remember.

I can’t thank Francisco and his awesome staff enough for allowing us to use his restaurant and for his generous donation, and for feeding our crew after a long evening.

I would also like to thank the men of the Lake Stevens Fire Department. Thank you to those who came in on their off time to work in the restaurant and those who were on duty and greeted customers outside and collected tons of donated presents, all while running calls at the same time. Without you all, this would not have been such a great success!

There are still kids in our community who need help. Christmas is all about the kids. If you would like to help out, contact the Lake Stevens Family Center, and our many service organizations.

Thank you all so very much!

Pat Cook

Firefighter

Lake Stevens Fire Department

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Friday, Sept. 5

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Pedestrians using umbrellas, some Washingtonians use them, as they cross Colby Avenue under pouring rain on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2017 in Everett, Wa. The forecast through Saturday is cloudy with rain through Saturday. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
Editorial: Speed limit reductions a good start on safety

Everett is reducing speed limits for two streets; more should follow to save pedestrian lives.

Schwab: An opportunistic infection in a weakened body politic

Republicans in the Senate could have stopped RFK Jr.’s deadly spread, but Trumpism weakened them, too.

Legislature should bar research of UW primate lab

As a proud University of Washington alumnus, I was shocked to learn… Continue reading

Trump has failed on promises to working families

Workers deserve fair pay, safe working conditions, affordable health care and the… Continue reading

Trump and Putin have shown us who they are

Donald Trump is incapable of taking leave of his retribution and revenge… Continue reading

Comment: Why Trump’s second term hasn’t made him a lame duck

The four years between terms helped him and his supporters prepare. Plus he’s using power to build it.

September 3, 2025: Contagious Infections
Editorial cartoons for Thursday, Aug. 4

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Thanks for coverage of local governments use of AI

I really enjoyed reading the recent article about the use of artificial… Continue reading

Everett School Board, Pos. 3: Clarke best for special ed needs

Respect Public Schools-Washington strongly supports Tom Clarke in the run for the… Continue reading

Herald reporters deserve fair wage, no quota

The demands of The Herald’s newsroom staff to ratify an employment contract… Continue reading

Stephens: Mass migration has been undoing of liberal democracy

By not seeking the consent of the governed on immigration, the West has invited the threat of populism.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.