Lehighton’s littlest Indians got a chance to sit in a firetruck Monday night as well as a chance to win some cool giveaways during health and safety night for the district’s Pre-K program.

In its second year, the program has around 40 students.

“What we are finding is that a lot of students don’t have helmets or things like that when they’re riding their bike or doing other activities,” said Susan Maloney, one of Lehighton’s Pre-K teachers. “We thought if we could get some donations from people and businesses in the community, we could get the students out here, get them engaged and at the same time, get them information about how to be safe and healthy.”

One of the highlights of the night came out of the collaboration of the five area fire companies that serve Lehighton’s students and their families.

Lehighton, Franklin, Mahoning, East Penn and Parryville each brought firetrucks and parked them in front of the elementary center for students to tour and get more information about how they work.

“Steve Ebbert was instrumental in getting a truck from each of the five companies here, and I think it’s important because we’re all one school now, and it’s important to show our students how important it is to come together and work together,” Maloney said. “It’s also important to teach them about firetrucks and help them to know they’re neat and you don’t need to be afraid of them.”

The community came together for numerous other donations. Walmart donated two scooters, with helmets, that students could enter to win by visiting different stations. Dr. Bruce Hartman provided toothbrushes and St. Luke’s donated sunscreen sticks.

Trooper Anthony Petroski, of the Pennsylvania State Police, also greeted students.

“We’re all here to help you and keep you safe,” he told students as they visited his table.

Maloney said there were also stations with healthy snacks and incentives to keep students away from their electronics and on the move outdoors as the weather continues to get warmer.

Lehighton’s Pre-K program continues to grow in its second year and Maloney said it is already paying dividends for students as they move up to kindergarten.

“The teachers are noting how these students are so prepared and so ready,” she said. “After the first couple days, they can usually pick out who has been in the Pre-K program. They will continue to track the children through the years and see how they do. They’re really a fearless group, and they come to these nights because it is their school and they feel comfortable here. We’re very pleased with the progress.”