Matunuck Fire, Ocean Mist Team Up For Turkey Trot

It was hard to differentiate the celebration from the fundraiser Sunday as crowds packed the Ocean Mist, but with a little help from the football fans, the Matunuck Volunteer Fire Department's annual Turkey Trot fundraiser brought in nearly double last year's take for needy children in South Kingstown.

By 4 p.m., the volunteers had raised more than $800 selling raffle tickets for 15 ten-pound turkeys, t-shirts and tickets to home Patriots, Celtics and Bruins games.  With the funds, the department will buy 10 additional turkeys for needy families in Matunuck and distribute them before thanksgiving. With the rest, well, Matunuck Fire's Captain Jay August goes toy shopping.

"We receive a wish list from the administration at the Matunuck Elementary School that come from needy families in the area, and Jay goes out and gets the toys with the rest of the funds we raise so they can have a good Christmas," Matunuck Lt. John Nielsen said.  

The department also buys Christmas trees and other decorations to help needy families enjoy their holidays. According to August, the event had been annual for a number of years, but had not been held until it experienced a resurgence four years ago.