WESTBROOK – Christmas came a little early to some children in Westbrook last Saturday morning, including a visit from Santa Claus himself, courtesy of the city of Westbrook and the Westbrook Fire Department.
It’s not clear where Santa’s reindeer were, but the department loaned him the use of a fire engine to carry him around town to deliver presents, a holiday tradition that has been going on in the city for more than 10 years.
City Administrator Jerre Bryant said a “guy in a red suit” was officially in charge of the event, but Michelle Mecteaux, administrative aide to Bryant, who helped coordinate the event, said the relationship between the city and Santa goes at least as far back as 1999. In that year, she said, the fund drive donated toys to children in eight local families.
“The program has grown over the years,” she said.
Mecteaux said Westbrook families must contact the city to sign up to be recipients.
This week, Capt. Randy Mitchell said the fire department has helped Santa through fundraising efforts that totaled $4,500 – enough to buy toys for 31 local families.
“We had everything from basketballs to Barbie dolls,” he said.
It’s a different opportunity for the department to serve the community, Mitchell said. Some families opted to come to City Hall to pick up the gifts, but for many recipients, Mr. Claus himself, with a little help from Matt Ray, a call firefighter, actually came to the front doors of the children’s homes to deliver the gifts. Santa had a full entourage of firefighters and firefighters’ family members, who donated their time to the cause.
The event is always good for bringing smiles to little faces, Mitchell said. In one case this weekend, Mitchell said, Santa handed a bag of toys to one child, who then dashed upstairs to bring down a letter for Santa that he was planning to mail before the surprise visit.
“We always have that one family who reminds you why you do it,” Mitchell said.
Lt. Jeff Stearns is on hand as Santa, left, hops off a Westbrook
Comments are no longer available on this story