Santa Arrives Early in South Whitehall

It wasn’t Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and Vixen leading the way but rather trucks 41, 21, 23 and 51 lighting the way for Santa though the streets of South Whitehall on Saturday.

As flurries fell, the volunteer members of gathered for their annual  at 11 a.m. Nearly 70 families in South Whitehall were participating this year, and the volunteers had a long day ahead.

The familiar sound of sirens and air horns soon filled the air as the engines came down neighborhood streets with lights flashing to announce Santa's arrival.

The Santa Run gives township families a memorable and unique way to celebrate the holiday season. In the weeks preceeding, families drop off gifts, with the recipient’s name and address, at the fire station. Santa then, with the help of Greenawald’s volunteers, hand delivers each one.

Santa’s original ‘sleigh’ was grounded when the Engine 1111 possibly blew a gasket and had to be returned to the station. Santa and his helpers quickly packed presents into the other vehicles and continued on their journey to spread holiday cheer.

At each stop curious faces peered out of windows and children of all ages would come running to say "hi" to Santa; some even came prepared with their lists and trays of cookies, and, of course, they wanted to look at the fire engines. 

Santa delivered 147 gifts, making 67 stops.

He also carried a bag full of candy canes and happily posed for photos as he went door to door, wishing residents a Merry Christmas.

One of the most asked questions of the evening was, "Santa, where's your sled and reindeer?"

The Santa Run is just one of the many events hosted by the fire company. They also hold an Easter Egg Hunt, and . All of these events are free to the community.

Greenawalds is a volunteer fire department, and it is always seeking new volunteers to serve the community. Those who would like to join can contact the fire company at 610-432-0065.