Group bakes treats for first responders working Christmas

Not everyone is lucky enough to be off for the holidays.

First responders work around the clock to protect the community no matter the day.

The group "Friends of Austin EMS" wanted to show their appreciation to those who are working Christmas day. "Called the Sweet Christmas Project" for the past 6 years the group passes out treats and snacks to EMS and dispatch to help give a much needed boost to get through working on the holidays.

It's the sweetest time of the year.

“They were outstanding, they were good. Jamie’s a great baker,” said Donald Rose an Austin-Travis County EMS captain while eating his treats.

Tis the season for giving and what better way to give than to those who constantly give their time year round.

“Even though it's a small gesture it makes them feel appreciated, they know people are thinking of them,” said Jamie chandler with "Friends of Austin EMS."

Jamie Chandler is a part of the group "Friends of Austin EMS" where they spent Christmas Day passing out various treats to ems and dispatch across Travis county.

“Chocolate oatmeal cookies, lemon cookies. People do breakfast tacos people do cakes and pies,” said Chandler. The six year tradition is called the "Sweet Christmas Project" and it really lives up to its name for the first responders.

Chandler said she knows how difficult it can be when you're away from your family during the holidays.

Her husband is also a first responder working Christmas.

“We're going to go to his station after this and drop off some treats it's just part of being a first responder family,” said Chandler.

While the gesture may seem small, it goes a long way to those working. “

Kind of a taste of home and having a station visit on the holidays is really nice,” said Captain Rose.

Every year "Friends of Austin EMS" needs volunteers to help hit the more than 40 stations across the county.  

If you are interested, you can contact them on their Facebook page "Friends of Austin EMS."