Thank you, CJ!
Firefighter/EMT gives back to the hospital where he transports children for emergency care.
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CJ Gargaliano
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Over the last several years, military veteran and Killeen firefighter CJ Gargagliano has shared the spirit of his favorite time of year by helping families in need purchase gifts for their children during the holidays. “Christmas has always been important to me,” he says. “I really believe that every kid—no matter what they celebrate—should have a gift to open during the holidays.”
In 2020, COVID-19 precautions led Mr. Gargagliano to alter his plans. “As a firefighter/EMT, I transport kids to McLane Children’s all the time, so my thoughts went there immediately,” he says. As part of his personal holiday tradition, Mr. Gargagliano donated video game systems and various games to the Child Life department at Baylor Scott & White McLane Children’s.
Mr. Gargagliano feels the emergencies involving children are some of the most important calls to which his team responds. “It’s definitely not a fun experience when a child is sick or injured, but it makes me feel really good to be able to help that child. I feel like I’m helping everyone on those calls—the child, their parents, and the community. That’s where I feel like I can make the most difference.”
He says the same belief applies to his holiday donations. “Whether it’s big or small, if it’s something that can make a difference for a child, then it’s something that can make a difference for everyone.”
Learn More
Click here to learn about how you can support the Child Life department at McLane Children's.
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