Santa and his elves at the Atlantic Highlands First Aid & Safety Squad have been visiting with big crowds of families throughout the borough this week during the annual Santa Runs and the fun continues Thursday and Friday nights.
Santa will head out to Zone 4 on the AHFAS map Thursday, Dec. 8, and on Friday, Dec. 9, he will be in Zone 2, which was rescheduled because of rain on Tuesday. Santa and the crew start their visits at 6 p.m. and remain on the streets until approximately 9 p.m.
As many have experienced already this holiday season, Santa is travels throughout the borough in a specially designed sleigh powered by an AHFAS ambulance. The ambulance and additional emergency vehicles use flashing lights, holiday music and the occasional siren to alert residents they’re on the way. Along the way, Santa stops to meet with children and their families, pose for pictures, listen to holiday wish lists, and distribute candy canes.
The AHFAS is also continuing tradition of collecting donations of non-perishable food items during the Santa Runs and has already gathered hundreds of items to be donated to the AACC Food Pantry in Atlantic Highlands to help those in need. But more is always needed.
Residents can track where Santa will be each night by following the squad on Twitter and Facebook, where Santa’s helpers will provide real-time updates of the nightly trips. They can also see a map of the areas Santa will visit at www.ahfirstaid.org. Those with special needs or who want to check on where Santa is headed each night can call the AHFAS’ non-emergency number (732) 291-8118 before 6 p.m.
For nearly two decades, the AHFAS has been delivering holiday cheer to area residents by bringing Santa to visit them at their homes through the Santa Runs. While also spreading holiday greetings, the annual visits give Squad members a chance to visit with friends and neighbors throughout the borough in a non-emergency setting.
The AHFAS is an all-volunteer emergency medical service providing around-the-clock EMS care to the borough and occasionally surrounding towns. The Squad is funded only by donations from the borough and its residents. For information on how you can become a part of this dynamic, award-winning organization call (732) 291-8118, check out the Squad website, or ask any member during the Santa Runs.