Santa makes house calls in Northfield, Somers Point

Written by Suzanne Marino Friday, December 07, 2012 11:39 am

Santa Claus is coming to town, and for the next two weeks he’ll be riding on a flashy fire truck, making personal visits to the homes of good girls and boys until the elves have his sleigh packed and ready for his official visit Christmas Eve.

Santa will make his debut in Northfield 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7 at the city’s annual tree lighting at City Hall. After that he will be available for house calls.

Fire Chief Lauren Crooks said members of the volunteer fire department have been helping Santa get around the city since 1999.

“We have a good group of guys here who really enjoy getting out and making sure the kids have a good experience,” said Crooks.

Santa will bring a stuffed toy and a candy cane to homes that he visits. And while it can be a fun time for the kids, Santa’s visit also helps the fire department’s bottom line. There is no fee for a visit from Santa, but donations to the department are requested.

Northfield residents can arrange for a visit from Santa by calling (609) 641-2832. He will make house calls between 6 and 9 p.m. weeknights and 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. on weekends.

Santa also makes house calls down the road in Somers Point. Firefighter Bob Blumberg said that often more than one truck may show up at a home where Santa has been invited.

Normally Santa will listen to what the boys and girls have on their list, he said, and sometimes by prearrangement he will even have a special gift for a child.

The fire department has been helping Santa get around the city for 18 years.

Blumberg said they used to suggest that each home where they stopped make a donation, but now there is a set fee of $35 for a stop with one or two children and an extra $5 for each additional child.

Santa will be available for visits via fire truck 6 to 9 p.m. daily in Somers Point. Residents can arrange a visit by calling (609) 653-6503 or visting // This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it /"> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The last day Santa is available for house calls in either town is Dec. 23. After that he needs to head back to the North Pole.