If you see flashing lights and hear sirens on your block this month, it might not be what you think. Fire trucks are visiting neighborhoods for a special cause.
“We do this because we can, not because we have to,” said Steve Hickey, who runs the fire truck food drive, which collects food for the Union Gospel Mission.
Hickey, a home builder, started buying retired fire engines for his business. He uses them as water tankers on job sites.
He quickly discovered his rigs could deliver a lot more.
Hickey's daughter, 9-year-old Clair, has cerebral palsy, and he would occasionally bring the trucks to birthday parties for children with special needs. But adults, it turns out, adore them as much as any kid.
So this year, Hickey decided to see what generosity looks like when Santa and a brigade of volunteers show up.
“I grew up in Marysville, and I remember the fire department coming through and doing something similar to this,” he said.
They've already collected more than 5,000 pounds of food.
“I love it, and I love having my daughter come out as well so she can learn what it means to give back,” Hickey said.
The fire truck food drive plans to visit Washington School in Tacoma on Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. On Saturday they'll work their way through Kenmore, Hickey said.