Camplain Road firehouse hosts annual fundraising event
By Mary Ellen Day, Special Writer
Santa had a few helpers as he and Mrs. Claus visited children in town in the days before Christmas. Manville firemen from Camplain Road firehouse escorted the couple around town with fire trucks Dec. 21-23.
Fireman Mike Sellar has been the coordinator of the annual event, which raises money for the fire company. Mr. Sellar could not help Santa alone in visiting and delivering gifts so called for some firemen elves to help out too.
”We had 16 fire company people and seven family members assist in various aspects from collecting the gifts to organizing and delivering the gifts throughout the weekend.”
The journey with Santa began Friday night, for three hours, Saturday for seven hours and again on Sunday for a little over five hours. The firemen and the entourage of fire trucks complete with sirens blaring traveled up and down the streets of Manville looking for all children that Santa and Mrs. Claus were going to visit.
”We had approximately 163 families participate this year delivering 375 giftswhich was approximately 20 more families this year than last year,” said Mr. Sellar. Santa delivered his gifts either outside or inside as children and their families awaited his arrival.
”You guys made my sons day,” said Tiffany Marie Hando.
Patty Barnish was just as thankful. “Thank you so much! As you can tell by his smile, Kyle really liked it this year,” she said.
Mr. Sellar was pleased with this year’s event and the support from the community.
”I’d like to thank all the families in Manville who continue to make this fundraiser a huge success year after year as it continues to grow and all the fire fighters and their families who helped this year.”
For information about how you can have Santa and Mrs. Claus pay you a visit next year, contact the fire company at 908-526-0409.

