Carolyn’s Elves Helps Local Residents in Need with Charitable Events Throughout the Year

Perhaps the best explanation for the existence of Carolyn's Elves comes from Brian Byrne, Carolyn’s father: “Making children happy and keeping Christmas magical is what she was best at.” 

In 2006, Brian and his wife Anne continued a long tradition in the Orangeburg Volunteer Fire Department when they began playing Santa and Mrs. Claus for the OVFD. With the help of their daughters, Carolyn and Christine and their niece Meghan dressed as elves, they traveled aboard fire trucks along the streets of Orangeburg greeting children of all ages along the route. In 2010, the tradition expanded to an evening holiday parade including decorated trucks from neighboring fire departments and businesses, complete with flashing emergency lights, and ending with refreshments and a visit with Santa at the firehouse.

Sadly, Carolyn was diagnosed with an aggressive form of Leukemia in 2016 and although the OFVD did everything they could to support their special elf, Carolyn couldn’t attend the 2016 and 2017 parades. FaceTime visits were arranged so Carolyn could talk with the children “from the North Pole,” while she was actually at Memorial Sloan Kettering in NYC. She was a bigger hit than Santa, and kids lined up to talk to her.

When Carolyn lost her battle with cancer in February 2018, the OVFD announced to her devoted followers that although Elf Carolyn was permanently called back to help at the North Pole, an Annual Toy Collection would be held in her honor. Every child who donated a gift to less fortunate children would receive a sticker indicating they were now one of “Carolyn’s Elves.” And that is how and why the nonprofit was born. Though her physical presence is no longer with us, her desire to make every child enjoy the magic of Christmas is still very much alive and a driving force for the volunteer firefighters. Carolyn’s Elves are all those who carry on her spirit and memory by showing generosity and giving to those less fortunate.

How You Can Get Involved with Carolyn’s Elves 

“Anyone who donates or supports the OVFD and Carolyn’s Elves' efforts becomes an Official Member and receives either a pin or a certificate,” Brian explains. He added that Carolyn’s Elves does not look for nor does it accept monetary donations. “What we want to see are people supporting our efforts to help local people in need. Any money spent in this effort comes from those who see the need and take care of it directly or by the continuous support of The Orangeburg Fire Association.”