Food, toys and money collected for TAP during Hickson’s Santa Claus Parade

Hundreds of bags of gifts and food and many other donations put smiles on the faces of the Hickson firefighters and those who came to load up the van on behalf of TAP. Santa and Mrs Claus were brave enough to climb to the top of the truck to look over all the donations. Contributed photo

By Gary West

Hickson’s Santa Claus Parade for 2024 not only put smiles on a lot of people’s faces with all the floats and exhibits but, at the same time, it also helped out Hickson firefighters collect Christmas donations.

The fire crew raised a whopping $1,500 and filled a van with donations of non-perishable food and personal-hygiene items, along with books and early education items for children.

All donations went to the Tavistock Assistance Program (TAP). The Hickson firefighters were happy their old 1956 Ford Seagrave pumper was part of the show.

Santa and Mrs. Claus rode on the old truck in the parade, and the fire department would like to thank Frank and Betty Mckay for allowing them to use the old fire truck and for bringing out their classic tow truck as well.

They would also like to thank Don Oliver and his wife, Jean, for driving the old firetruck in the annual parade.

As they do every year, Santa and Mrs. Claus were on hand and the local firefighters would like to thank them for making the evening special for everyone and even more special for the area’s parade enthusiasts young and not so young.

Members of the Hickson Fire Department would also like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy new year.