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Known For Hard Diamonds,

Kay Jewelers Shows A Soft Side 

Victoria Ayala, manager of Kay Jewlers in the Southside Mall, stands with a box of stuffed bears and dogs they are donating to the Franklin Fire Department, received by Chief Tom Worden and 1st Asst. Chief Dale Downing. "The toys were from the St. Jude Bears drive." explained Ayala, "The money goes to the children's hosp[pital and people can choose to take the toys home or donate them. This year we decided to donate them." "We carry the bears in the ambulance to give children if they are sad or scared." said Worden, " We bring them to structure fires or house calls, wherever there may be a child in need." The Franklin Fire Department has kept this practice for years, with the emergency crews purchasing the toys themselves. "We give out 10-20 stuffed animals a year." said Worden, "And this year Kay Jewlers approached us with the idea of the donation and we said 'absolutely!' "
Victoria Ayala, manager of Kay Jewelers in the Southside Mall, stands with a box of stuffed bears and dogs the outlet is donating to the Franklin Fire Department.  Chief Tom Worden and First Assistant Chief Dale Downing accept the gifts. “The toys were from the St. Jude Bears drive,” explained Ayala. “The money goes to the children’s hospital and people can choose to take the toys home or donate them. This year we decided to donate them.”  “We carry the bears in the ambulance to give children if they are sad or scared,” said Worden. ” We bring them to structure fires or house calls, wherever there may be a child in need.”  The Franklin Fire Department done this years, with the emergency crews purchasing the toys themselves.  “We give out 10-20 stuffed animals a year,” said Worden. “And this year Kay Jewelers approached us with the idea of the donation and we said ‘absolutely’! ” (Ian Austin/AllOTSEGO.com)

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