KINGSTON - More than 50 people, including at least 30 children, attended Kingston's Santa's Village, hosted by the Kingston Volunteer Fire Department on Dec. 14.
Each youngster got to sit on Santa's knee and got a gift, complements of the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program. In addition to locals, people came from all over the north part of Smoky Valley and Austin.
"It was our best attended Santa's Village to date," said Assistant Fire Chief Bradley Ward, who organized the free event along with volunteer firefighter Dennis Lowe. "Everyone enjoyed themselves and we enjoyed giving back to the community."
The event was held from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the firehouse and included punch, cookies and hot cocoa, provided by the fire department, and pizza, donated by the Half Moon Saloon.
Last year, Santa's Village, which was held Dec. 16, drew around 40 people with more than 20 consisting of children.
The fire department will be collecting toys for the 2014 event at its annual picnic fundraiser in August.
The department holds various fundraisers throughout the year to raise money. The next event will be the annual St. Patrick's Day Dinner on March 15. Those who would like to volunteer to help are asked to call Ward at (775) 964-1034.
That event will be followed by a Women's Rimfire Shoot on Memorial Day weekend. Anyone who would like to be a corporate sponsor, volunteer or a donor, is asked to call Ward.
There are 11 volunteers on the Kingston Volunteer Fire Department. Anyone who would like to join the fire department or volunteer to help out at events can call Ward.
The fire department held a holiday party on Dec. 11 at Zach's Lucky Spur Saloon for members of the department and the Kingston Fire Association. Former fire chief and assistant chief, Guy Rock, was presented with the Order of the Axes award for his contributions to the fire department.[[In-content Ad]]
