SLIDE SHOW: Firefighters, Marines and volunteers deliver toys to children on Christmas Day
Published 7:19 pm Wednesday, December 25, 2024
Marine Corps veteran Don Butler, dressed as Santa, gets a hug after delivering toys on Christmas morning. Dozens of Bowling Green Fire Department firefighters, Marine Corps League members and volunteers with the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program delivered thousands of toys to hundreds of children living in the Housing Authority of Bowling Green on Christmas morning, Dec. 25, 2024. Tom Harris, with the Marine Corps League Detachment 1095 in Bowling Green, said more than 300 families were delivered toys and dozens of bicycles were given out. One mother of four children exclaimed, “God bless you, my kids wouldn’t have had Christmas if it weren’t for you!” Children ran towards firefighters as they wheeled bikes their way. (Daily News/Joe Imel)
Battalion Chief Joe Harbin and his family deliver toys Christmas morning. Dozens of Bowling Green Fire Department firefighters, Marine Corps League members and volunteers with the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program delivered thousands of toys to hundreds of children living in the Housing Authority of Bowling Green on Christmas morning, Dec. 25, 2024. Tom Harris, with the Marine Corps League Detachment 1095 in Bowling Green, said more than 300 families were delivered toys and dozens of bicycles were given out. One mother of four children exclaimed, “God bless you, my kids wouldn’t have had Christmas if it weren’t for you!” Children ran towards firefighters as they wheeled bikes their way. (Daily News/Joe Imel)
BGFD firefighter Cameron Wallace and Rachel Thomas deliver a bike Christmas morning. Dozens of Bowling Green Fire Department firefighters, Marine Corps League members and volunteers with the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program delivered thousands of toys to hundreds of children living in the Housing Authority of Bowling Green on Christmas morning, Dec. 25, 2024. Tom Harris, with the Marine Corps League Detachment 1095 in Bowling Green, said more than 300 families were delivered toys and dozens of bicycles were given out. One mother of four children exclaimed, “God bless you, my kids wouldn’t have had Christmas if it weren’t for you!” Children ran towards firefighters as they wheeled bikes their way. (Daily News/Joe Imel)
BGFD firefighters Nick Tutor and Cameron Wallace deliver bikes Christmas morning. Dozens of Bowling Green Fire Department firefighters, Marine Corps League members and volunteers with the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program delivered thousands of toys to hundreds of children living in the Housing Authority of Bowling Green on Christmas morning, Dec. 25, 2024. Tom Harris, with the Marine Corps League Detachment 1095 in Bowling Green, said more than 300 families were delivered toys and dozens of bicycles were given out. One mother of four children exclaimed, “God bless you, my kids wouldn’t have had Christmas if it weren’t for you!” Children ran towards firefighters as they wheeled bikes their way. (Daily News/Joe Imel)
Dozens of Bowling Green Fire Department firefighters, Marine Corps League members and volunteers with the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program delivered thousands of toys to hundreds of children living in the Housing Authority of Bowling Green on Christmas morning, Dec. 25, 2024. Tom Harris, with the Marine Corps League Detachment 1095 in Bowling Green, said more than 300 families were delivered toys and dozens of bicycles were given out. One mother of four children exclaimed, “God bless you, my kids wouldn’t have had Christmas if it weren’t for you!” Children ran towards firefighters as they wheeled bikes their way. (Daily News/Joe Imel)
U.S. Air Force Airman First Class Chancellor Adwell delivers toys on Christmas morning. Dozens of Bowling Green Fire Department firefighters, Marine Corps League members and volunteers with the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program delivered thousands of toys to hundreds of children living in the Housing Authority of Bowling Green on Christmas morning, Dec. 25, 2024. Tom Harris, with the Marine Corps League Detachment 1095 in Bowling Green, said more than 300 families were delivered toys and dozens of bicycles were given out. One mother of four children exclaimed, “God bless you, my kids wouldn’t have had Christmas if it weren’t for you!” Children ran towards firefighters as they wheeled bikes their way. (Daily News/Joe Imel)
U.S. Air Force Airman First Class Chancellor Adwell delivers toys on Christmas morning. Dozens of Bowling Green Fire Department firefighters, Marine Corps League members and volunteers with the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program delivered thousands of toys to hundreds of children living in the Housing Authority of Bowling Green on Christmas morning, Dec. 25, 2024. Tom Harris, with the Marine Corps League Detachment 1095 in Bowling Green, said more than 300 families were delivered toys and dozens of bicycles were given out. One mother of four children exclaimed, “God bless you, my kids wouldn’t have had Christmas if it weren’t for you!” Children ran towards firefighters as they wheeled bikes their way. (Daily News/Joe Imel)
Don Butler, BGFD PIO Katie McKee and Stephanie Ferguson along with Ferguson's daughters Harper, Bailey and Raegan, ride in Astronaut Village delivering toys on Christmas morning. Dozens of Bowling Green Fire Department firefighters, Marine Corps League members and volunteers with the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program delivered thousands of toys to hundreds of children living in the Housing Authority of Bowling Green on Christmas morning, Dec. 25, 2024. Tom Harris, with the Marine Corps League Detachment 1095 in Bowling Green, said more than 300 families were delivered toys and dozens of bicycles were given out. One mother of four children exclaimed, “God bless you, my kids wouldn’t have had Christmas if it weren’t for you!” Children ran towards firefighters as they wheeled bikes their way. (Daily News/Joe Imel)
BGFD Engineer Corey Mahaney works the back of the truck filled with toys. Dozens of Bowling Green Fire Department firefighters, Marine Corps League members and volunteers with the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program delivered thousands of toys to hundreds of children living in the Housing Authority of Bowling Green on Christmas morning, Dec. 25, 2024. Tom Harris, with the Marine Corps League Detachment 1095 in Bowling Green, said more than 300 families were delivered toys and dozens of bicycles were given out. One mother of four children exclaimed, “God bless you, my kids wouldn’t have had Christmas if it weren’t for you!” Children ran towards firefighters as they wheeled bikes their way. (Daily News/Joe Imel)
Marine Corps veteran Don Butler, dressed as Santa, delivered toys on Christmas morning. Dozens of Bowling Green Fire Department firefighters, Marine Corps League members and volunteers with the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program delivered thousands of toys to hundreds of children living in the Housing Authority of Bowling Green on Christmas morning, Dec. 25, 2024. Tom Harris, with the Marine Corps League Detachment 1095 in Bowling Green, said more than 300 families were delivered toys and dozens of bicycles were given out. One mother of four children exclaimed, “God bless you, my kids wouldn’t have had Christmas if it weren’t for you!” Children ran towards firefighters as they wheeled bikes their way. (Daily News/Joe Imel)
BGFD Battalion Chief Matt Ferguson (left) and Capt. Daniel Ashley map out the route to deliver toys on Christmas morning. Dozens of Bowling Green Fire Department firefighters, Marine Corps League members and volunteers with the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program delivered thousands of toys to hundreds of children living in the Housing Authority of Bowling Green on Christmas morning, Dec. 25, 2024. Tom Harris, with the Marine Corps League Detachment 1095 in Bowling Green, said more than 300 families were delivered toys and dozens of bicycles were given out. One mother of four children exclaimed, “God bless you, my kids wouldn’t have had Christmas if it weren’t for you!” Children ran towards firefighters as they wheeled bikes their way. (Daily News/Joe Imel)
Marine Corps veteran Don Butler, dressed as Santa, gets a hug after delivering toys on Christmas morning. Dozens of Bowling Green Fire Department firefighters, Marine Corps League members and volunteers with the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program delivered thousands of toys to hundreds of children living in the Housing Authority of Bowling Green on Christmas morning, Dec. 25, 2024. Tom Harris, with the Marine Corps League Detachment 1095 in Bowling Green, said more than 300 families were delivered toys and dozens of bicycles were given out. One mother of four children exclaimed, “God bless you, my kids wouldn’t have had Christmas if it weren’t for you!” Children ran towards firefighters as they wheeled bikes their way. (Daily News/Joe Imel)
BGFD firefighter Nick Tutor wheels a bike up to youngster on Christmas morning. Dozens of Bowling Green Fire Department firefighters, Marine Corps League members and volunteers with the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program delivered thousands of toys to hundreds of children living in the Housing Authority of Bowling Green on Christmas morning, Dec. 25, 2024. Tom Harris, with the Marine Corps League Detachment 1095 in Bowling Green, said more than 300 families were delivered toys and dozens of bicycles were given out. One mother of four children exclaimed, “God bless you, my kids wouldn’t have had Christmas if it weren’t for you!” Children ran towards firefighters as they wheeled bikes their way. (Daily News/Joe Imel)
Dozens of Bowling Green Fire Department firefighters, Marine Corps League members and volunteers with the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program delivered thousands of toys to hundreds of children living in the Housing Authority of Bowling Green on Christmas morning, Dec. 25, 2024. Tom Harris, with the Marine Corps League Detachment 1095 in Bowling Green, said more than 300 families were delivered toys and dozens of bicycles were given out. One mother of four children exclaimed, “God bless you, my kids wouldn’t have had Christmas if it weren’t for you!” Children ran towards firefighters as they wheeled bikes their way. (Daily News/Joe Imel)
Dozens of Bowling Green Fire Department firefighters, Marine Corps League members and volunteers with the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program delivered thousands of toys to hundreds of children living in the Housing Authority of Bowling Green on Christmas morning, Dec. 25, 2024. Tom Harris, with the Marine Corps League Detachment 1095 in Bowling Green, said more than 300 families were delivered toys and dozens of bicycles were given out. One mother of four children exclaimed, “God bless you, my kids wouldn’t have had Christmas if it weren’t for you!” Children ran towards firefighters as they wheeled bikes their way. (Daily News/Joe Imel)
Marine Corps veteran Don Butler, dressed as Santa, watches as Joseph rides his new bike for the first time. Tom Harris with the Marine Corps League is at left. Dozens of Bowling Green Fire Department firefighters, Marine Corps League members and volunteers with the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program delivered thousands of toys to hundreds of children living in the Housing Authority of Bowling Green on Christmas morning, Dec. 25, 2024. Tom Harris, with the Marine Corps League Detachment 1095 in Bowling Green, said more than 300 families were delivered toys and dozens of bicycles were given out. One mother of four children exclaimed, “God bless you, my kids wouldn’t have had Christmas if it weren’t for you!” Children ran towards firefighters as they wheeled bikes their way. (Daily News/Joe Imel)
Dozens of Bowling Green Fire Department firefighters, Marine Corps League members and volunteers with the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program delivered thousands of toys to hundreds of children living in the Housing Authority of Bowling Green on Christmas morning, Dec. 25, 2024. Tom Harris, with the Marine Corps League Detachment 1095 in Bowling Green, said more than 300 families were delivered toys and dozens of bicycles were given out. One mother of four children exclaimed, “God bless you, my kids wouldn’t have had Christmas if it weren’t for you!” Children ran towards firefighters as they wheeled bikes their way. (Daily News/Joe Imel)
Marine Corps veteran Don Butler, dressed as Santa, is thanked by a father after Butler delivered toys to the family on Christmas morning. Dozens of Bowling Green Fire Department firefighters, Marine Corps League members and volunteers with the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program delivered thousands of toys to hundreds of children living in the Housing Authority of Bowling Green on Christmas morning, Dec. 25, 2024. Tom Harris, with the Marine Corps League Detachment 1095 in Bowling Green, said more than 300 families were delivered toys and dozens of bicycles were given out. One mother of four children exclaimed, “God bless you, my kids wouldn’t have had Christmas if it weren’t for you!” Children ran towards firefighters as they wheeled bikes their way. (Daily News/Joe Imel)
Dozens of Bowling Green Fire Department firefighters, Marine Corps League members and volunteers with the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program delivered thousands of toys to hundreds of children living in the Housing Authority of Bowling Green on Christmas morning, Dec. 25, 2024. Tom Harris, with the Marine Corps League Detachment 1095 in Bowling Green, said more than 300 families were delivered toys and dozens of bicycles were given out. One mother of four children exclaimed, “God bless you, my kids wouldn’t have had Christmas if it weren’t for you!” Children ran towards firefighters as they wheeled bikes their way. (Daily News/Joe Imel)
BGFD firefighter Nick Tutor wheels a bike up to youngster on Christmas morning. Dozens of Bowling Green Fire Department firefighters, Marine Corps League members and volunteers with the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program delivered thousands of toys to hundreds of children living in the Housing Authority of Bowling Green on Christmas morning, Dec. 25, 2024. Tom Harris, with the Marine Corps League Detachment 1095 in Bowling Green, said more than 300 families were delivered toys and dozens of bicycles were given out. One mother of four children exclaimed, “God bless you, my kids wouldn’t have had Christmas if it weren’t for you!” Children ran towards firefighters as they wheeled bikes their way. (Daily News/Joe Imel)
Battalion Chief Joe Harbin and his family deliver toys Christmas morning. Dozens of Bowling Green Fire Department firefighters, Marine Corps League members and volunteers with the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program delivered thousands of toys to hundreds of children living in the Housing Authority of Bowling Green on Christmas morning, Dec. 25, 2024. Tom Harris, with the Marine Corps League Detachment 1095 in Bowling Green, said more than 300 families were delivered toys and dozens of bicycles were given out. One mother of four children exclaimed, “God bless you, my kids wouldn’t have had Christmas if it weren’t for you!” Children ran towards firefighters as they wheeled bikes their way. (Daily News/Joe Imel)
Dozens of Bowling Green Fire Department firefighters, Marine Corps League members and volunteers with the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program delivered thousands of toys to hundreds of children living in the Housing Authority of Bowling Green on Christmas morning, Dec. 25, 2024. Tom Harris, with the Marine Corps League Detachment 1095 in Bowling Green, said more than 300 families were delivered toys and dozens of bicycles were given out. One mother of four children exclaimed, “God bless you, my kids wouldn’t have had Christmas if it weren’t for you!” Children ran towards firefighters as they wheeled bikes their way. (Daily News/Joe Imel)
Dozens of Bowling Green Fire Department firefighters, Marine Corps League members and volunteers with the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program delivered thousands of toys to hundreds of children living in the Housing Authority of Bowling Green on Christmas morning, Dec. 25, 2024. Tom Harris, with the Marine Corps League Detachment 1095 in Bowling Green, said more than 300 families were delivered toys and dozens of bicycles were given out. One mother of four children exclaimed, “God bless you, my kids wouldn’t have had Christmas if it weren’t for you!” Children ran towards firefighters as they wheeled bikes their way. (Daily News/Joe Imel)
BGFD firefighter Cameron Wallace and Rachel Thomas deliver a bike Christmas morning. Dozens of Bowling Green Fire Department firefighters, Marine Corps League members and volunteers with the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program delivered thousands of toys to hundreds of children living in the Housing Authority of Bowling Green on Christmas morning, Dec. 25, 2024. Tom Harris, with the Marine Corps League Detachment 1095 in Bowling Green, said more than 300 families were delivered toys and dozens of bicycles were given out. One mother of four children exclaimed, “God bless you, my kids wouldn’t have had Christmas if it weren’t for you!” Children ran towards firefighters as they wheeled bikes their way. (Daily News/Joe Imel)
Marine Corps veteran Don Butler, dressed as Santa, greets a youngster as he peers through the window on Christmas morning.Dozens of Bowling Green Fire Department firefighters, Marine Corps League members and volunteers with the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program delivered thousands of toys to hundreds of children living in the Housing Authority of Bowling Green on Christmas morning, Dec. 25, 2024. Tom Harris, with the Marine Corps League Detachment 1095 in Bowling Green, said more than 300 families were delivered toys and dozens of bicycles were given out. One mother of four children exclaimed, “God bless you, my kids wouldn’t have had Christmas if it weren’t for you!” Children ran towards firefighters as they wheeled bikes their way. (Daily News/Joe Imel)
BGFD firefighter Nick Tutor wheels a bike up to youngster on Christmas morning. Dozens of Bowling Green Fire Department firefighters, Marine Corps League members and volunteers with the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program delivered thousands of toys to hundreds of children living in the Housing Authority of Bowling Green on Christmas morning, Dec. 25, 2024. Tom Harris, with the Marine Corps League Detachment 1095 in Bowling Green, said more than 300 families were delivered toys and dozens of bicycles were given out. One mother of four children exclaimed, “God bless you, my kids wouldn’t have had Christmas if it weren’t for you!” Children ran towards firefighters as they wheeled bikes their way. (Daily News/Joe Imel)
Dozens of Bowling Green Fire Department firefighters, Marine Corps League members and volunteers with the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program delivered thousands of toys to hundreds of children living in the Housing Authority of Bowling Green on Christmas morning, Dec. 25, 2024. Tom Harris, with the Marine Corps League Detachment 1095 in Bowling Green, said more than 300 families were delivered toys and dozens of bicycles were given out. One mother of four children exclaimed, “God bless you, my kids wouldn’t have had Christmas if it weren’t for you!” Children ran towards firefighters as they wheeled bikes their way.
About Joe Imel
Joe Imel is the Regional Publisher of the Bowling Green Daily News, as well as seven other CMG newspapers in Kentucky and Tn. The Daily News has been publishing for more than 169 years in Southcentral Kentucky. Imel began his journalism career 37 years ago as a reporter for the McLean County News, later the Hardin County Independent and finally arrived at the Daily News as a photojournalist in 1991. He rose through the newsroom ranks as chief photographer, photo editor, assistant managing editor, director of digital operations, general manager of WDNZ-TV, a low-power TV station owned by the paper, and later promoted to general manager for the Gaines family. He continues in that role with CMG. Imel studied photojournalism at Western Kentucky University. He is an award-winning photographer that continues to pick up his cameras when he is not listening to the police scanner and tweeting to more than 80,000 followers. He and his wife, Tracy, reside in Bowling Green. They have a son that works in politics in Washington, D.C.
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