For many years, the Verona Fire Department has been helping Santa spread holiday cheer in Verona by driving him around town on a fire truck. This year, the VFD and Santa will be helping the community well beyond Christmas.
When Santa comes around on Sunday, December 17, his VFD elves will be giving out candy canes–and dog treats–as they always do. But they will also be collecting items that can help the food pantry at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit to carry out its mission. VFD members will be accepting non-perishable food items, cleaning products and personal hygiene items. Once Santa has visited every street in Verona, the VFD will deliver all donations to Holy Spirit.
Santa Day begins at 11 a.m. on Sunday, December 17, and will be held rain, shine or snow. The VFD can’t tell you exactly when Santa will be on your street, so listen for the sirens and holiday music, and watch the special events page that the Fire Department has set up on Facebook.
Please make sure that all of your donations are unexpired and non-perishable.
Holy Spirit’s Food Pantry is open from 9 to 11 a.m. on the fourth Saturday of every month, which will be December 23 this month. Anyone in need is welcome. If you need assistance in an emergency before this date, contact the church office at [email protected] or leave a voicemail at (973) 239-2850 to make arrangements. If you are not going to be home when Santa visits, you can drop off any food pantry items in the collection box by the parking lot door. The list of most-needed pantry items is here.
