The Milton First Responders Foundation has done it again – bigger and better than ever.

For the last four Decembers, this volunteer-led non-profit has distributed Kroger gift cards to each and every Milton police officer and firefighter. Expenses tend to pile up quickly around the holidays, so having something extra to pay for gas, groceries, stocking stuffers, and other things is much appreciated.

Typically, the Milton First Responders Foundation (MFRF) has given $200 gift cards to every City of Milton Fire Department and Milton Police Department member. But this year, they kicked it up several notches with $250 per first responder.

Addressing firefighters and police officers during a brief ceremony Friday at Fire Station 44, MFRF Chairperson Brian Dolan called the annual distribution “one of the happiest times of the year” for his group. He credited donations from citizens – some direct and others through events, like well-attended concerts – who understand, appreciate, and support Milton’s first responders.

“You are the pride of this community,” Nolan said.

Mayor Peyton Jamison echoed that sentiment and added that Milton officials also “support you 100 percent.” He also lauded the First Responders Foundation, saying “the commitment they have is unbelievable.”

Given the number of police officers and firefighters, the MFRF spent just under $30,000 on gift cards this year. That works out to nearly $100,000 total that has been given out since this initiative began in December 2021.

For more about the Milton First Responders Foundation, go to https://miltonfirstresponders.org/.