Santa and Navesink Hook & Ladder Make Holiday For Nearly 100

RED BANK, NJ - The Red Bank Fire Department's Navesink Hook & Ladder and West Side Hose volunteer firemen and women are donating their time to bring a little Christmas cheer to the children of Red Bank.

There is no requirement they be naughty or nice. Some 90 families have signed up their children to get a visit from Santa between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. Dec. 23 so if it sounds like the town is burning down on the day before the day before Christmas, it is just a long cherished holiday tradition that often helps a doubtful child believe for a little longer.

Santa's time is limited which is why the volunteers had to cut off registration Dec. 17. But Santa will visit each child on his list provided the child is at home. If the firefighters miss a child, they can not make a return trip.

Santa will arrive with lights and sirens to deliver one present to each child whom Santa will meet not in the chimney but at the front door. Parents already should have purchased the gift and dropped it off at the firehouse.

Organizers ask that parents be aware of the size of the gift because unlike Santa's sleigh, firefighters do not have unlimited space on the truck.

Visit eventsatthehook.com for information and if you didn't make it in time this year, remember, there is always next year. And don't forget the volunteers who on the other 363 days each year are running toward danger while we are running away. Donations are appreciated at the firehouse. Please do not seem to be paying off Santa when he arrives unless you plan on investing heavily in therapy for your child.

Dec. 23 is Santa's day with the children of Red Bank and its firefighters. Image via Shutterstock.