Santa Claus is coming to Hardyville

Mary Beth Sallee

Managing Editor

Hart Co. News-Herald

 

Not only does the Hardyville Volunteer Fire Department (HVFD) strive to help others during times of emergency, but also to provide joy and hope to the community during the holidays.

On Christmas Eve, December 24, HVFD will be hosting a meet and greet with Santa Claus from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. CT at the Hardyville Community Center.

“Parents are invited to bring their children by the Hardyville Fire Department…to meet and get pictures with Santa,” said HVFD Fire Chief Ricky Atwell. “Santa will have a bag of fruit for the kids, and there will be an assortment of toys for each kid to choose something.”

This year, in addition to the special visit from Santa, the fire department is also planning on a visit from The Grinch and Frosty the Snowman. Children will also have the opportunity to view some of the firetrucks, talk to the firefighters, and learn about fire prevention and fire safety.

“This is a free event that is open to the public,” Atwell said. “This is a way for the fire department to give back and support the community during a non-emergency. Our goal is to put a smile on a child’s face.”

This annual Christmas event is a tradition that the fire department has hosted for several years.

“Originally, it started off with Santa distributing an apple and banana to each kid, but over the past years has grown to include distributing toys, clothing, and other items,” Atwell shared. “We would like to see it continue to grow each year. In recent years, the fire department has partnered with Toys for Tots and other supporters to obtain extra toys for distribution.”

If anyone would like to learn more about the event, please contact Fire Chief Ricky Atwell.