By Olivia Drake, HVFC Information Officer
(December 18, 2022)—On December 17, 2022, nearly 70 local children shared their Christmas wish lists with Santa during Haddam Volunteer Fire Company’s Annual Children’s Christmas Party.
After Santa arrived at the firehouse on Engine 1-13, he greeted each family before taking his seat in the community hall. There, each child had a chance speak with Santa and receive a gift. Families also were treated to Christmas cookies and refreshments and the HVFC Auxiliary held a basket raffle to help offset the costs of the party.
The Children’s Christmas Party may be the most long-standing tradition in the fire company’s history. For more than 90 years, volunteers have worked to host the gathering, which began at the town green in the 1930s. According to Company Historian and Firefighter Teresa Kuchyt, life members recall giving children apples as presents.
When Haddam Volunteer Fire Company acquired its newest firehouse in 2001, its members, with help of the HVFC Auxiliary, began hosting the party at this new building on Saybrook Road. More than 30 volunteers, spearheaded by the HVFC’s Christmas Committee, participate in the annual event and assist with decorating the firehouse, wrapping gifts, setting up, and hosting the party, which lasts for approximately two hours.
“The Children’s Christmas Party is one of the fire company’s most fun-filled events, not only for the children, but for us as members,” said Christmas Committee Chair and Firefighter Malcolm Meyer. “It’s wonderful that members of both the fire company and our auxiliary can work together to bring so much joy to several families in the community.”
