The sleigh bells from Operation Santa Claus have been ringing for the citizens of Clackamas Fire District #1 since 1974.

Firefighters recognized the need to provide toys and food baskets to families and individuals that were less fortunate, and not likely to experience the joys of the holiday season. Hence, Operation Santa Claus was formed.

Operation Santa Claus Is 100% Funded By Donations From Members Of The Community

During this month-long holiday toy and food drive, fire district volunteers and employees lead Santa’s fire engine parade down neighborhood streets (check below to see when the parade will be in your neighborhood) to collect toys and non-perishable food items, which are used to fill hundreds of food baskets for needy families. Donated new toys bring a little extra Christmas cheer to children. Donated funds are used to purchase perishable items for food baskets, and help to cover miscellaneous expenses.

Operation Santa does not solicit funds over the phone.

How Can I Help?

• The Giving Tree
  The Giving Tree is a partnership between Clackamas Town Center and Clackamas Fire District #1 and is displayed at Clackamas Town Center between Thanksgiving and Christmas. To participate, visit the Giving Tree and select a giving card. The card will identify the child's or families name and age. Purchase the requested gift or gifts and return it to the Giving Tree prior to Christmas Eve.

• Food Collection Barrels
  Collection Barrels for non-perishable foods are located throughout all Clackamas Fire District #1 community fire stations as well as other local businesses. Click HERE for a list.

• The Parade
  Each year throughout the holiday season, fire district personnel lead Santa's Fire Engine parade down neighborhood streets (check below to see when the parade will be in your neighborhood) to collect non-perishable foods and new, unwrapped toys. For recorded parade information call 503-742-2941.

• Community Fire Stations
  Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, Clackamas Fire District #1 community fire stations accept non-perishable foods and new, unwrapped toys. Fire station addresses are available by clicking HERE.

• Financial Donations
  The Clackamas Emergency Services Foundation is a private non-profit organization associated with Clackamas Fire District #1. The Foundation is a tax-exempt organization formed under IRC 501 (C)(3). It is these donations that allow the fire district to fill the voids in assuring a balanced and respectable holiday gift basket. To donate, please fill out the appropriate information in the Operation Santa Brochure.

How Are Families Selected?

Operation Santa does NOT accept requests for assistance directly, via telephone, message, or community fire station personnel. Operation Santa receives names of recipients exclusively from Compassion In Action/Clackamas County. CIACC serves as a coordinating agency for many Clackamas County holiday drives to assure the most people can be served. Applications can be picked up at any local DHS, social service, or housing authority office.

Parade Dates (2009)

Downloads

• Operation Santa Brochure
  
  

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