Clackamas Fire Launches Annual Operation Santa Claus (Photo) -11/25/19
Happy Valley, ORE – The Operation Santa Claus program is a holiday toy and food drive organized by Clackamas Fire District #1’s volunteers and employees. The funding is largely supported by the Clackamas Emergency Services Foundation and donations from members of the community. The season kicked off on Nov. 18 by donating non-perishable food and new, unwrapped toys to collection barrels or through a partnership with Clackamas Town Center’s Giving Tree. Santa climbs aboard an antique fire engine to collect non-perishable food and new toys during 15 neighborhood parades, beginning on Nov. 30.
Brandon Paxton, public information officer for Clackamas Fire District #1 said last year's “Operation Santa Claus collected nearly 54,000 pounds of food and over 8,300 toys to serve 2,188 citizens.”
If you can't make one of the parades, here are other ways you can help:
The Giving Tree: Families who have applied for assistance through Compassion in Action Clackamas County have provided wish lists of gifts for children in need. Select a gift tag from the Giving Tree, located at the Clackamas Town Center. The gift tag will identify a child's or family's name, age and gift wish. Purchase the gift and return it to the Giving Tree.
Collection Barrels: Drop off donations of non-perishable food and new, unwrapped toys to collection barrels located at all Clackamas Fire District #1 community fire stations and participating businesses listed on our website, beginning on Nov. 18 through Dec. 15.
Check or Cash Donations: The Clackamas Emergency Services Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization associated with Clackamas Fire and other first responder agencies. Checks or cash donations are accepted and can be mailed to Clackamas Fire District #1, c/o: Clackamas Emergency Services Foundation, 11300 SE Fuller Rd., Milwaukie, OR 97222.
For more information about Operation Santa, parade dates and route maps, or to apply for assistance, visit Clackamas Fire's website: http://www.clackamasfire.com/operation-santa-claus/.
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