By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News
This year, Santa Claus swapped his sleigh for a firetruck, dashing through the streets of Tulalip as part of the Tulalip Bay Fire Department’s annual Santa Run.
Held December 13-15, the festive event brought joy to children across the Rez while collecting nonperishable food and monetary donations for the Tulalip Church of God Food Bank.
Children beamed as they greeted ole Saint Nicholas himself, receiving candy canes and taking photos to capture the holiday magic. The event proved to be a success, raising over $1,600 in donations and filling a full van with food contributions for families in need.
This timely tradition brings the community together to help those who need extra assistance this time of year. The Tulalip Bay Fire Department shared on its Facebook page, “Our community came through in a big way.”
The Santa Run has become a cherished highlight for the community. Smiling children, the sight of Santa a brightly lit firetruck, and the spirit of giving brought excitement to the holiday season. At its heart, the event is about more than festive fun; it’s about supporting neighbors and ensuring that no one goes without during a time meant for warmth and generosity.
If you’d like to contribute or need assistance, the Tulalip Church of God Food Bank is open on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It’s located at 1330 Marine Drive NE, Tulalip, WA, and can be reached at 360-653-7876.