As the night began to fall on Saturday, Tri-Cities residents eagerly filed into Alameda County Fire Station No. 28 to enjoy an evening of everything holiday — from caroling to Santa’s milk and cookies.
Taking time out of his busy pre-Christmas prep season, Santa stopped by the fire station on Dec. 10 to support the Alameda County Firefighters Holiday Toy Drive.
The event is promotes getting the community together to donate to the Alameda County Fire Department and the Alameda County Fire Fighters Association’s Holiday Toy Drive. In this case, visitors wishing to have their photo taken with Santa atop an antique fire engine donated $10 for the experience.
In addition to the Christmas card-quality photos, attendees had the opportunity to learn about the latest holiday safety information while enjoying some milk and Otis Spunkmeyer cookies.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a holiday party without entertainment. Guests were invited to sing holiday carols with the Newark Memorial High School Advanced Choir and were invited to listen to firefighters read their favorite holiday tale, “A Firefighter's Night Before Christmas”.
And guests had a blast.
“I met Santa and a fireman. Plus, I heard pretty Christmas music. I had a fun night,” simply stated seven-year-old Newark resident Julian Joaquim.
Santa didn’t head back to the North Pole after the Newark festivities. Instead he made a few more local visits. On Dec. 11, he brought cheer to Alameda County Fire Station No. 33 in Union City. and on Dec. 17 you can find The Jolly Man Himself at Station No. 18 in Dublin and Dec. 18 at Alameda County Fire Station No. 9 in San Leandro .
Even if you didn’t get the chance to visit with Santa along his fire station tour, you can still donate to the ACFD Holiday Toy Drive.
New and unwrapped toys, gift cards, and monetary donations any denomination are all accepted.
By giving to the ACFD Holiday Toy Drive, you are supporting your local community as all donations will be distributed by local non-profit agencies and community based organizations, according to Aisha Knowles, Alameda County Fire spokeswoman.
Donations can be made at any ACFD Fire Station through December 24, 2011. Visit this link for a list of fire house addresses.
For more information, contact Knowles at 510-618-3479 or at aisha.knowles@acgov.org.
Have any photos from Saturday's event? Add them to our gallery above.
