Local first responders offering Operation Smile to celebrate children’s birthdays.

Local first responders offering Operation Smile to celebrate children’s birthdays.

It’s pretty easy to get stuck in our adult ways of following the stay at home order. Many people kind of forget that the order doesn’t mean you have to be inside the entire time. Others also forget that this is a very scary time for children.

Several area fire departments, along with other first responder agencies, are providing a little cheer for area children during this time of isolation through what they are calling Operation Smile. The departments will drive by the homes of children who are celebrating their birthdays, with lights and siren on.

The department personnel maintain social distancing by staying in the trucks and not allowing anyone near the trucks.

“It is our goal to help a child smith and forget about why they can’t have friends over and have a party for their birthday,” said Pere Marquette Township firefighter Fred Reader, Jr. “This may even help a parent with one less thing they have to worry about during these hards times.”

Reader said Pere Marquette Township and Ludington fire departments have held multiple parades so far. Other departments in the county, including Riverton, Hamlin, Scottville, and Fountain Area, have also received requests.

Those who are interested — and please remember, your child needs to be celebrating a birthday — contact your local fire department via Facebook.