MEXICO – The Mexico Firefighters Relief Association has launched its fourth calendar, offering fire safety tips as well as birthdays, anniversaries and other notable dates.

The 2009 calendar is one way the organization raises funds for community projects, including its latest, several gifts to an area family in need.

About $200 will be spent by a case worker from Sweetser Mental Health, a social services organization with an office in Wilton. With the money, Sweetser case worker Paula Wentzell said toys, mittens and hats, other clothing and food will be purchased then given to the family in time for Christmas.

Wentzell said the Mexico association began donating to families in need about four years ago. She said other fire departments or relief associations, including Livermore, Livermore Falls and Rumford, have also chosen to help families.

She said the chosen family makes a list of what is wanted and needed, then a case worker shops for the items.

The calendar, organized by call force Lt. Jamee Theriault, depicts a photo of department members and advertisements by area businesses. On each date throughout the year, the names of people having birthdays, anniversaries, a memorial or other special event are listed. Each date also provides a fire safety tip.

In 2008, she said the department gave the calendars at no cost to people because it was the 100th anniversary of the Mexico Fire Department. For the 2009 calendar, they are asking for donations.

The calendars may be picked up at the fire station, Dick’s Restaurant or Maddy’s Pizza. Anyone who wants to list a special date for inclusion in next year’s calendar may drop off the date and name in buckets located at the same three places.