Papa Gino's Donates Pizzas, Giveaway Items To Chelmsford FD

CHELMSFORD, MA — Papa Gino's Pizzeria, with a location in Chelmsford, donated pizzas to the Chelmsford Fire Department in addition to giveaway items for the department's Open House this past Saturday, according to the restaurant chain.

The gesture was part of the Pizza My Heart donation program, which is in its 29th year and involves Papa Gino's donating extra-large cheese pizzas to fire stations across New England during the month of October, which is National Fire Prevention Month.

Additionally, as part of the program, Papa Gino's donates coloring sheets and activity sheets, free slice coupons and children's firefighter hats to be distributed at firehouse events throughout the month.

Since 1993, Papa Gino's has supported more than 1,800 fire stations, giving away over 100,000 free pizzas and more than 1.5 million activity sheets, educational flyers, kid's fire hats and coupons, the company said.

Papa Gino's said fire departments holding open houses also have the opportunity to purchase discounted pizza from the pizzeria to share with their community.

"October is here, and that means it's time to partner with local firefighters again to raise awareness around fire safety," said Deena McKinley, chief experience officer at Papa Gino's Pizzeria. "After two years without many in-person, community open houses, we're excited to welcome back families across New England to attend these educational community events at local fire stations, where we'll also be serving up delicious Papa Gino's Pizza and tons of fun."

McKinley continued: " We're grateful for the chance to personally thank local firefighters for the brave and essential work they do, and we hope everyone joins us in celebrating these neighborhood heroes while learning more about fire safety this month."

In addition to donating pizzas, Papa Gino's has invited guests to upload photos of their kids wearing Papa Gino's fire hats for a chance at winning a free Papa Gino's pizza party. The photo submission form is available online.

Papa Gino's is located in Chelmsford at 29 Chelmsford St. Founded in East Boston in 1961, Papa Gino's now has nearly 100 restaurants in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Connecticut.