Georgia fire fighters kick off holidays with ‘Letters to Santa’ and firehouse decorating contest 

Whitfield County, Ga., Local 5416 hosts several holiday events, including a new tradition of decorating firehouses, kids mailing letters to Santa, and free photo sessions with Santa and Mrs. Clause.

December 20 • 2024

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Whitfield County, Georgia, and this year, Local 5416 is bringing even more festive cheer to the community. The Local kicked off its holiday season with “Letters to Santa” and a “Reindeer Games” competition.  

For the first time, the Local in partnership with the Whitfield Fire Department, is offering children the chance to send their wish lists to the North Pole through the “Letters to Santa” initiative. Special red mailboxes are set up at 12 fire stations, where fire fighters will collect letters and send a copy to parents, along with a reply from Santa. 

“Growing up, I remember how exciting it was to send a letter to Santa, and we wanted to bring that same joy to kids in our community,” said Wesley Williams, a Local 5416 member with the Whitfield Firefighters Charitable Fund. 

The program runs until Dec. 20, with at least six children chosen from each fire district to receive a gift delivered personally by fire fighters in a fire engine. The Local hopes to help around 70 kids. “It’s a great way for our team to get involved and give back to the community during the holidays,” Williams said. 

While the Letters to Santa program is spreading cheer to kids, the Reindeer Games is adding a festive spark for fire fighters and the Whitfield County community. What started as a friendly competition among fire stations to see who could create the best Christmas display has now become a countywide event. 

“We kicked off the Reindeer Games last year, and it was such a hit that we decided to make it bigger this year,” Williams said. “Each fire station decorates their station with Christmas lights, ornaments, inflatables, and we provide our own funds. We’ve got seven stations participating this year, and they’re pulling out all the stops to create some of the most incredible displays you’ll see in the area.” 

It’s a great way for our team to get involved and give back to the community during the holidays.

Local 5416 fire fighter Wesley Williams

The displays will remain lit until January, and the public is invited to vote for their favorite station. “The winning station will receive a special trophy, plus, of course, bragging rights for the entire year,” Williams said. “It’s become a tradition now, and it’s a lot of fun.” 

The Local is also hosting its second annual photo session with Santa and Mrs. Clause, alongside the fire trucks, Sparky the Fire Dog, the Grinch, and cookies and hot cocoa. 

“This effort is on behalf of our Local and charitable foundation, with the help of some amazing community partners, including Chick-fil-A and the Whitfield County School System,” said Williams. “It’s all about giving back to the community, and we’re happy to offer this opportunity completely free of charge.” 

To find out more about the Letters to Santa program and the Whitfield Firefighters Charitable Fund, visit the link here.