Christmas baskets handed out in the spirit of giving

For weeks, Corning firefighters sold raffle tickets, gathered toys, organized boxes of food, wrapped presents and went shopping — all for the benefit of the less-fortunate in the community.

On Saturday, their work culminated with the delivery of toys and food for a Christmas feast to more than 47 families in town.

With Santa Claus and two of his elves leading the way, the volunteer firefighters packed two large U-haul trucks with the goods and made the tour through the community.

"Ho! Ho! Ho!" cheered Santa as he entered home after home, bringing joyous smiles to both parents and children.

In one home there was no Christmas tree under which to put the toys.

"We can't afford one," said the mom. "This is so good, so good. Now we have food and presents for our son."

In another home, one little boy ran up and gave Santa a hug while his little sister, timid and shy, kept her distance.

Other children just jumped up and down with delight.

Having started early in the morning, around noon the firefighters took a break for lunch at the fire hall, and then off they went again to finish their deliveries through the rest of the day.

"We couldn't do this without the help and support of the community," said Fire Chief Martin Spannaus. "Every year people donate toys and food. That is what makes this possible."

This is the 36th year the fire department has carried out this program.

The winners of this year's firefighter fundraiser raffle ticket drawing was Ann Messmer; a 42-inch television; Cassie Webster: Nook Reader; Doug Hatley: A $100 Safeway gift card; Oliver Blunkall: a $100 SavMor gift card; and The Olive Pit: a $75 Northern Lights gift card.