Sage Kiernan-Sherrow |  News Editor

Founded by Jean Love in 2017, the Thoughts and Gifts Project is a public charity which brings birthday gifts and other celebratory items to underserved children and qualifying seniors across Polk County. Now, the Polk County Fire Department and Monmouth Police are partnering with the Thoughts and Gifts Project to accompany those gifts with a birthday parade — complete with a show of lights and sirens. 

Fire Inspector, Troy Crafton, said they took on the project after COVID-19 slowed down their overall workload. Though Crafton and his team are still giving public education courses — featuring topics like fire safety and home escape plans — the birthday parades are a positive inclusion to the work day. Once a week, every Tuesday at 10 a.m., the allied departments make their rounds across Monmouth-Independence; Jean Love brings the donations and takes the photographs for social media as police cars and fire trucks start their sirens — an indication that they’re well on their way. When they reach the home with the birthday child or senior citizen, they’re greeted with smiles and joy. 

“There’s been no bad publicity,” said Crafton. “I would figure the noise might irritate the elderly folks, but they all come out to celebrate and it’s been an overwhelmingly positive experience.” 

Of Jean Love, Crafton said “she’s had more donations this year than she’s ever had” and that she calls her garage where she keeps the gifts “Walmart.” 

To donate to or apply for the Thoughts and Gifts Project, visit thoughtsandgifts.org.

Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Jean Love