Members of the Georgetown Fire Department, families, and volunteers gear up to collect toys and accompany Santa and Mrs. Claus during this year’s Santa Tour. (Photo Courtesy Mike Jarvis-Jarvi Productions). 
Residents of all ages donating toys during this year’s Santa Tour. (Photo Courtesy Mike Jarvis-Jarvi Productions). 
Bicycles being donated during the Georgetown Fire Department’s 29th Annual Santa Tour. (Photo Courtesy Mike Jarvis-Jarvi Productions). 
A family waves to Georgetown Fire personnel during this year’s Santa Tour. (Photo Courtesy Mike Jarvis-Jarvi Productions). 
A young girl sees Santa and Mrs. Claus during Georgetown Fire’s annual Santa Tour. (Photo Courtesy Mike Jarvis-Jarvi Productions). 
Georgetown residents donate bags of toys for those in need. (Photo Courtesy Mike Jarvis-Jarvi Productions). 
The Georgetown Fire Department “Santa Tour” logo, designed by local student Ella Newhall. (Photo Courtesy Georgetown Fire Department). 
Santa and Mrs. Claus get ready to embark on Santa’s Tour are Georgetown with the help of the Georgetown Fire Department. (Photo Courtesy Mike Jarvis-Jarvi Productions).
GEORGETOWN — Fire Chief Matt McKay is pleased to share that the Georgetown Fire Department has collected 4,362 toys this holiday season to support children and families.
During the department’s 29th annual Santa Tour, approximately 3,540 toys were collected throughout the day. The remaining 822 toys were collected during the month-long toy drive.
Georgetown Fire accompanied Santa throughout his nearly 11-hour-long ride across town. The Department traveled more than 65 miles and had more than 6,000 views on the Santa tracking app.
About 60 volunteers provided assistance at the event including support along the route, toy collection, toy sorting and counting, and providing meals. Georgetown Barbershop provided lunch and Levia provided dinner for department members and volunteers.
Residents and community members waved to Santa and Mrs. Claus, and donated a variety of new, unwrapped toys, including bicycles, for children of all ages,
All donations will go to benefit the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program.
Last year, the Department collected 4,191 toys, equating to more than one toy per Georgetown household, and this year has been the most the department has collected in the past six years.
The logo for this year’s tour was designed by Georgetown student Ella Newhall. Newhall’s design was selected by the Fire Department out of more than 50 applicants in the Santa Tour logo contest. Maddie Staude won the People’s Choice award, voted by the community as the best logo outside of the top three options from the contest. The winning logo was printed on sweatshirts worn by the volunteers.
This event was sponsored by Freedom Pest Control, Georgetown Barbershop, LEVIA, Trombly Brothers Towing and Automotive, Georgetown Cafe and G. Mello Disposal Corporation.
“I want to thank all of our sponsors, volunteers, and department members for their continuous commitment to our residents and community. I also want to thank our residents and community members for their generous donations and kindness this holiday season,” said Chief McKay. “This event allows our members to connect with residents and interact in a meaningful way.”
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