Ironwood Township fire department hosts Santa

By STEVE NEWMAN

[email protected]

Ironwood Township - The Ironwood Township gymnasium was buzzing Saturday with excited children, volunteers and of course, Santa. Lines to see the jolly old elf stretched to the doors of the building for kids to receive presents and talk to Santa himself. Santa, who was not available for comment, was patiently talking to children and it was said that he would stay until each child got to speak with him. The township fire department picked up the challenge roughly 6 years ago to help provide Christmas for young people in the area and the event has been going strong ever since. The fire department has headed up raising funds in the community, going out to shop and preparing presents and host this event. Many township residents and businesses have gotten behind the effort and offered assistance as well.

Resident Katie Nelson headed up the purchasing and wrapping of the presents, stated that it was a cooperative effort and "a lot of Santa's elves are helping today." The crowds of parents and children filled the gym and lines waiting to see Santa stretched from one end of the building to the other. Behind the scenes there were volunteers cooking and preparing food in the kitchen, some dressed as elves to assist Santa, and others giving out treats. The day has become a tradition in the area, and many look forward to getting involved each year.