The Columbus Fire Department (CFD) is kicking off its fundraising season with the annual Firemen’s Cheer Fund Chili Cook-Off on Friday, November 1. It is your chance to fill your belly and help the cause.

The traditional evening drive-thru at Columbus Fire Department Station #1, 1101 Washington St., is from 5 to 8 p.m. or until the chili is gone.

Cash or check will be accepted as a donation at the Chili Cook-Off for Cheer Fund efforts.

The Columbus Firemen’s Cheer Fund was founded by CFD in 1930 when some caring firemen realized that poor children probably receive few or no gifts at all under a Christmas tree. Almost 100 years later, firefighters and volunteers still collect toys, gifts, and monetary donations, and then deliver the presents to less fortunate kids in mid-December.