NWFR to take part in “Santa Run” charity

Santa Claus is coming to town, and he needs your help to make the holidays special for needy children.

North Whatcom Fire and Rescue (NWFR) and Whatcom County Fire District 4 will collaborate with the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office for the annual Santa Run on Saturday, December 6.

Each year, local law enforcement and firefighters volunteer to escort Santa Claus to different locations around the county, where he will gather donations of food, clothes and toys to give to needy families. This year’s donations will benefit more than 300 children throughout the county.

NWFR has been taking part in the Santa Run since they consolidated with fire district 4 in 2011. Jennie Sand, administrative assistant for NWFR, said the Santa Run’s northern route, which takes Santa through Blaine and Birch Bay, has been pared down a little over the years.

“The first year we did it, we had five stops, but it was snowy and cold so no one came out,” she said. “Last year we had four stops but very few people came out. This year we thought we’d keep it simple and just stick with two stops.”

Santa will be stopping at the Woods Coffee at Birch Bay Square, and at Blaine Fire Station 12 at 9408 Odell Road. Volunteers will be at Woods Coffee from 9:30 to 11 a.m., and at the fire station from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hot apple cider and candy canes will be handed out at the fire station, and firefighters will give kids tours of the station.

“Santa came to Woods Coffee last year, and it was great because people could go inside and get out of the cold, and kids were stopping to get their pictures taken with Santa,” Sand said.

Organizers will accept donations of new clothes, books and toys or cash, but no used items. All food donations must be non-perishable and unexpired.

For more information, visit nwfrs.net, or visit wcfd4.com to see the Santa Run’s Bellingham stops.