Visit Santa, Pick Out A Tree, and Celebrate the Holidays While Helping Bucks County Fire Departments and Neighbors in Need

Santa Claus believes in Bucks County’s volunteer fire departments - so much so that the very busy elf is taking time away from sleigh-packing to eat breakfast or have his photo taken with kids and their families at local departments. The special meals and photo ops help departments raise much-needed revenue, while allowing Santa (and eavesdropping parents!) one last chance to learn what nice boys and girls hope to find under the tree.

Speaking of Christmas trees, some volunteer departments are boosting holiday cheer by providing a fine selection of holiday trees for sale, again with all proceeds going to help the departments help their communities.

Still other fire department sponsored events don’t raise money for firefighting, but provide another opportunity for firefighters and area residents to care for their neighbors: Food, clothing and toy drives.
And some events are just for fun. Santa will hop aboard fire trucks in many communities to ride around in a “Santa Run” and say hello to his fans.

“It’s not too late to earn points toward my Nice list, and supporting these local volunteer fire department events will get you many points, and also teach your children about helping others.” Claus said in a telephone interview from the North Pole. “Buying a beautiful tree, eating breakfast or having your picture taken with me, or participating in a drive will also create a happy holiday memory for your whole family.”
A list of upcoming and ongoing events and drives at local fire departments follows. Santa suggests you Google your local fire department for more events and information.

For those wanting to rival Santa in the gift-giving department this holiday season, the Bucks County Fire Chiefs and Firefighters Association suggests one of the greatest gifts anyone can give to their family and entire community: Volunteer with your local fire department.

“The very best way to help your local fire department is to join them,” said Jerry Barton, who co-chairs the Bucks County Fire Chiefs and Firefighters Association’s Recruitment and Retention Committee.

Recruitment and Retention Committee Co-Chair Rob Kay stressed that fire departments need all kinds of volunteers, not just firefighters. “Our departments need people with many skills to function well,” he said.
For more information on volunteering, see to the Association’s website at www.BucksFire.org.

Here’s a list of Bucks County fire departments’ holiday fundraisers and other events:

Through Fri., Dec. 5
Feasterville Fire Company is collecting new toys and games for the WXTU Toy Truck Parade. Please drop toys and gifts off at the station, located at 20 Irving Place, Feasterville-Trevose.

Sat. Dec. 6
Milford Township Fire Company hosts Pictures with Santa. Family, friends and pets on leashes are all invited. Photos, which are $5 each, will be taken from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 2185 Milford Square Pike, Quakertown, and will be printed on site.
Hilltown Fire Department Breakfast with Santa, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Stadium North Bar & Grill, 1901 Bethlehem Pike, Hatfield. Cost is $8 for those 13 and older and $4 for children 5 to 12. Younger children eat free.

Sun. Dec. 7
Ivyland Fire Company, Breakfast with Santa, 8 am to 1 p.m. at 62 Wilson Ave., Ivyland. Cost is $7 for adults ($6 for EMS with photo ID) and $5 for children ages 5-12. Younger children eat free.
Warwick Fire Company, Holiday Shopping Event including pictures with Santa, more than 40 crafters and vendors, and a bake sale, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 2390 York Rd, Jamison. Admission: $1 donation. Kids under 12 are free.

Through Wed. Dec. 10
Yardley-Makefield Fire Company, blanket and coat drive for homeless veterans. New or gently used blankets and clothing – particularly coats - may be dropped off at Yardley Borough Town Hall, 56 South Main St., between the hours of 8 am and 4 p.m., or at Station 0, 105 S. Main St., or Station 80, 652 Stony Hill Road, Yardley, whenever someone is there to receive them. Donations can also be dropped off at either Borough Hall or Station 0 during the Dec. 6 Yardley Borough Christmas Parade, from 3:30 p.m. through about 5 p.m.

Sat. Dec. 13
Plumsteadville Fire Company Santa Run. Santa’s trip through town starts at 10 am.
Edgely Fire Company (Ten House) Breakfast with Santa, 9 to 11:30 am at 1200 Edgely Road, Levittown. Cost: $6 for kids, $7 for adults.

Sat. Dec. 20
Feasterville Fire Company Santa Run. Santa’s trip through town starts at 10 am.

Sun. Dec. 21
Upper Makefield Fire Company Santa Parade & Food Drive. Whatever the weather, Santa will be touring Upper Makefield Township starting at 10 am. Then everyone is invited to join him between 6:30 and 8 p.m. at the Taylorsville Road firehouse, 1221 Taylorsville Road in Washington Crossing, for picture taking. The event is free – bring your own camera! The UMFC will also be collecting non-perishable food items for the Penndel Food Pantry, which is in desperate need of canned and boxed items. Donations can be dropped off at the Taylorsville Road Firehouse between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or between 6:30 and 8 p.m. during the pictures with Santa event. Please, no out-of-date foods, damaged packages or glass containers. Everyone who makes a donation will receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win a Toys-R-Us gift certificate. The drawing will immediately follow picture time.

Through Dec. 24
Levittown Fire Company Christmas Tree Sale. Weekends from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and weekdays from 3 p.m. until 10 p.m. The sale is located at 6 County Way, near Five Points and the Levittown Library.
North Penn Goodwill Service Christmas Tree Sale, 8:00 am to 8:30 p.m. through Dec. 24 or until the last tree sells, at the corner of Main and Summit streets, Souderton. North Penn Goodwill is not a fire company, but an organization that provides support to the community’s first responders.

Through Dec. 31
Trevose Fire Company is collecting new/gently used coats, hats, gloves and mittens and new, unwrapped toys for local kids in need. Please drop these items off at the Company’s main station, 4900 Street Road, any Monday through Thursday between 6 and 11 p.m.