Operation Santa Claus Dance
By: Ryan Robertson
Updated: November 26, 2012
"Kids have a special need and a place in fire fighters' hearts," said Lt. Rusty Sheppard with WFFD, the chairman of Operation Santa Claus.
For almost 30 years, the money raised during Operation Santa Claus has gone to help kids in the area have a great Christmas.
"We hope to help about 1500 kids is usually what we try to shoot for," said Sheppard, "it kind of depends on the way things are and what we end up raising."
And while every fire fighter dreams of being a hero by saving someone's life, the real heroics performed by the fire fighters is bringing families together.
"For me, personally, it's the parents and to see that relief on their face," said Sheppard, "because they had no other place to go, and we were able to help that need."
And as long as there are people in need, these heroes say they'll be the first to act.
Reporter's notes by Ryan Robertson:
In addition to dinner and dancing, those in attendance at Operation Santa Claus were also entered into a raffle to win a brand new Polaris Ranger ATV.


