Devon Energy, First Responders Children’s Foundation Bring Holiday Joy in July

It may be the middle of summer, but the Boys & Girls Club of Carlsbad members got a dose of holiday cheer this week at Toy Express, hosted by Devon Energy and the First Responders Children’s Foundation (FRCF).

The celebration brought together local first responders and Devon Energy employees to deliver toys, smiles and summer magic to children across southeastern New Mexico.

“Devon is proud to support events that celebrate the important role first responders play in our communities,” said Molly Merritt, Community Relations Specialist at Devon Energy. “Toy Express is a meaningful way to connect with families, celebrate with first responders and give kids a memory they’ll never forget.”

Toy Express was created by FRCF to strengthen relationships between first responders and the communities they serve. This year, the program will distribute over 150,000 toys nationwide, thanks to the help of local first responders and support of corporate partners.

“Toy Express gives kids the chance to interact with first responders in a fun setting and provides an opportunity to meet the real-life heroes in their community,” said Jillian Crane, President and CEO of First Responders Children’s Foundation. “We are incredibly grateful to our generous partners like Devon Energy who make Toy Express possible and support first responder families every day.”

Throughout the event, children met with firefighters, police officers, EMS personnel and other local heroes. First responders showcased emergency vehicles, shared safety demonstrations and helped hand out hundreds of free toys.

About Devon 

Devon Energy is a leading oil and gas producer in the U.S. with a premier multi-basin portfolio headlined by a world-class acreage position in the Delaware Basin. Devon’s disciplined cash-return business model is designed to achieve strong returns, generate free cash flow and return capital to shareholders, while focusing on safe and sustainable operations. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, Devon is a Fortune 500 company and is included in the S&P 500 Index. Its common shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol DVN. For more information, please visit www.devonenergy.com.   

About First Responders Children’s Foundation

First Responders Children’s Foundation is a national foundation that provides programs and resources that address the specific needs of first responders and their families. The Foundation focuses on four key areas: Scholarships, Financial Assistance Grants; a Mental Health Resilience Program; and Community Engagement. The Foundation was founded 24 years ago in response to 9/11 when 800 children lost a first responder parent. Additional information about FRCF can be found at www.1stRCF.org and on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @1strcf.