Clackamas Fire proudly announces the 2022 Operation Santa Claus toy and food drive. The program is organized by volunteer and employees and has been a mainstay within the community for more than 48 years. The season kicks off on Nov. 30 with Santa riding in a fire engine at four neighborhood parades. Different than previous years, donations will not be accepted during the parades.
The goal is to collect non-perishable food and new, unwrapped toys for families in need during the holidays. While the goal is the same as it has been for the last 48 years, the strategy to collect donations has shifted due to the pandemic. Clackamas Fire will be hosting five donation drop-off events throughout the fire district from Dec. 3-11. In addition, Clackamas Fire is discouraging community members from dropping off donations at any of their community fire stations this year.
In 2021, more than 8,000 pounds of food and 3,000 toys were distributed.
“As we look towards the holiday season, our focus is on hope, charity, and serving others. We know some families are struggling, and the need is as great as ever,” said Fire Chief Nick Browne. “Clackamas Fire’s Operation Santa Claus is an excellent opportunity to come together as a community to help those in need.”
Donations can be made a couple of ways:
- Accepting donations at five drop-off events from Dec. 3-11. For a complete list of locations and dates, click here.
- Accepting funds by mail. Checks can be made out to the “Clackamas Emergency Services Foundation,” noting “Operation Santa” on the memo line, and mailed to Clackamas Fire, c/o: Clackamas Emergency Services Foundation, 11300 SE Fuller Road, Milwaukie, OR 97222. The non-profit organization is associated with Clackamas Fire and other first responder agencies in Clackamas County.
For more information about Operation Santa Claus, donation drop-off events, and non-donation collection parades, visit www.clackamasfire.com/operation-santa/.
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