An era has ended, but a tradition of giving lives on.

Founded in memory of Wareham firefighter Dick Melloni, the Dick Melloni Youth Foundation has provided toys for local children in need during the holiday season for nearly 20 years. And until recently, the driving force behind the scenes was Dick Melloni's wife, Sybil Melloni.

Sybil Melloni passed away this fall, leaving a gaping hole in the hearts of her family members and in the operation of the foundation, which was established in 1993.

“My mom was a mom first. Caring, giving, compassionate," said Sybil Melloni's son, Rich Melloni. "When my dad passed, she wanted to do something to make the world a better place."

The foundation has evolved since 1993, and now provides educational, health, and general support for children and families.

“As the toy drive got larger, we found there was more we could do in the community,” Melloni explained. “We’ve reached far beyond the original idea, and that’s because of her," he said of his mother.

For example, the foundation doles out hundreds of bike helmets to families at the Swan Festival each year.

During the holiday toy drive, Sybil Melloni would spend weeks answering phones and taking donations, a job that is now being done with an answering machine.

Rich Melloni is worried that, with his mother gone, donations may drop off simply because people aren’t sure where to go. Another concern is that people who need toys or food won’t know how to contact the foundation.

But Rich Melloni is working hard to ensure those fears aren't realized. He checks the answering service daily, and encourages families or community members who know of a family in need to call 508-295-1221. Leave your name, number, and the address of the family in need, the number of children, and the children’s ages and genders.

Last year, the foundation helped nearly 700 kids.

“We never say no. That’s our policy,” said Melloni.

The toys are delivered to families by members of the Wareham and Onset fire departments.

As the foundation continues navigating its first holiday season without Sybil Melloni, its biggest fundraiser of the year is looming: The annual Christmas Toy Drive Dinner/Dance will be held at the Wareham Elks Lodge on December 1. Tickets are $20 per person, with the donation of a small toy.

To purchase dinner tickets, donate funds, or volunteer, contact Rich Melloni at 774-222-3562. Rich Melloni encourages the community to buy tickets early — only 250 tickets are available.

The number of families the foundation can help is dependent on the amount of money and number of toys that are donated, and while Rich Melloni notes that many people are making due with less these days, chances are there’s a little everybody can do to help somebody.

"It’s an example of Wareham helping Wareham," Melloni said.