By Mary Ellen Day, Special Writer
Santa Claus is coming to town again to use the help the Manville Fire Company No. 2 to deliver gifts to girls and boys.
The Santa Run was started in 2003, and has grown each year to an average of about 150 stops over the course of the weekend.
Katie Jeremiah is the new organizer of the event.
"When I found out that Mike Sellar, who had been organizing the Santa Run since its inception, would not be able to do it this year, I volunteered as a way to give back to both the fire company and the community," she said. "My dad is a longtime member and, in talking to him, I saw how busy the other members are and felt that it would be a good fit for me to organize."
According to Ms. Jeremiah, everything remains the same except for they’ve raised the suggested minimum donation from $10 to $20,which is the first increase ever.
"Camplain Volunteer Fire Company No. 2 works very hard to make sure that the Santa Run is the highlight to many residents’ Christmas season," she said. "We realize what a thrill it is for the many children to whom we deliver and do all we can to make sure that it’s an experience that will become a treasured memory.
She said the "run" is not just for children.
"We know for a fact that seniors love to be visited by Santa, so please consider your older loves ones, too," said Ms. Jeremiah.
For the donation Santa Claus will arrive at a home, on a fire engine or riding in a sleigh, with their lights and sirens blaring to deliver a gift provided by the family. When the trucks come to a stop, children are encouraged to come out to see Santa and receive their gift. Santa can also come into your house. Make sure you have your camera.
To participate, bring a $20 donation and pre-wrapped gift(s) for each child to the Camplain Volunteer Firehouse, corner of South 13th and Washington avenues, on any of the dropoff times and choose a delivery day. Delivery days are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Drop off gifts from 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 9; Thursday, Dec. 11; Monday, Dec. 15, or Wednesday, Dec. 17. Santa will then visit from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, noon to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20, and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21.
Have each pre-wrapped gift labeled with the child’s full name and the street address. If you have several gifts to be delivered, place them in a large bag with the delivery address clearly marked on the outside. Each wrapped gift should be in a sturdy box or bag to prevent the wrapping paper from being punctured or torn during handling.
You must be home when the fire engine arrives or the gift may need to be left at your door.
Residents are encouraged to sign up early as the nighttime delivery schedule fills up quickly. Participants will receive an early bird email next year to allow them to submit a form before registration is opened to the public.
If you have questions, stop by the firehouse on any of the drop-off nights or e-mail [email protected].
