By FireRescue1 Staff
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Several months after Hurricane Matthew ravaged southern communities, a firefighter has started a toy drive for the fire department his twin brother works at.
John Powell, a Winston-Salem firefighter, said he started the toy drive after nearly losing his brother, Princeville Fire Chief James Powell, during the hurricane, reported FOX8.
“Some firefighters here told me that they heard that my brother was involved in a rescue and he almost lost his life,” Powell said. “So, I called the station, I heard a lot of commotion in the background. They were still making rescues.”
When John found out his brother could not perform his duties following the close call, he stepped in to help. He previously served with the Princeville Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter; during a flood in 1999 he nearly lost everything. John said he can empathize with firefighters who struggle between protecting their own families and others.
“I’ve seen people, emergency responders, break down because of the psychological toll it’s taken on them,” Powell said. “They’re so actively engaged in trying to restart their lives and rebuild. Christmas has kind of been something they’ve kind of not thought about.”
In order to help firefighters get through the holiday season, John’s department has gathered nearly $4,000 in gifts for crews and their families.
“It does make you feel like people are thinking about you and care about you, and that means a lot,” Powell said.
The toys are expected to arrive Wednesday.
“I’m hoping that we can inspire somebody’s life, to have a positive impact, “Powell said. “That they may one day pay it forward.”