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Firefighters, 2 Krewes Give Books, Cash To Tampa School

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TBO.com

Published: December 11, 2008

Forget Santa and his sleigh. Some Tampa children got their gifts delivered today by a firetruck loaded with real-life heroes and a few pirate wenches.

The firefighters and paramedics of Tampa Fire Station 12 and the krewes of Charlotte de Berry and St. Florian arrived at Mendenhall Elementary School, 5202 N. Mendenhall Drive, with books valued at $100 and a check for $500.

The groups teamed up after they heard an air conditioner malfunction in late summer caused humidity to accumulate in the media center, doing about $4,000 damage to books.

The problem also damaged rugs, stuffed animals and props. The insurance company has not settled the claim yet, Hillsborough County School District spokeswoman Linda Cobbe said.

The krewes held a book drive and social event and had more than 200 people donate, according to a news release from Tampa Fire Rescue.

"It's heartwarming to know that this community has so many individuals and groups like Tampa firefighters and the krewes of St. Florian and Charlotte de Berry on whom we can count to help our students when they are in need," Cobbe said.

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