Basking Ridge Fire Co. Holiday Fundraiser is Dec. 19

There is a reason Santa Claus wears fire engine red–before old St. Nick heads up north for his big day, he will be riding through town on a Basking Ridge Fire Co. No. 1 fire truck.

The fire company will hold a holiday fundraiser on Dec. 19 in which Santa will deliver wrapped presents to children throughout Basking Ridge. Parents can register for the event on the Basking Ridge Fire Co. Web site and deliver a wrapped gift and $50 donation to the firehouse on Monday, Dec. 14, from 7-9 p.m.

After the presents have been collected, the fire chief will map a route to the homes that have made donations, taking into account the times parents request for the presents to be delivered. Santa will then make his rounds, a light workload considering his day job.

"It's a big fundraiser for us," said Louise Fordham-Hale, Captain of the Rescue Squad and person in charge of the fundraiser. Fordham-Hale said that parents will sometimes organize parties of kids for Santa to deliver presents to on the day of the event.

About 30 families participated last year, according to Fordham-Hale, and seven families already signed up for delivery on the first drop-off night on Dec. 7 this year.

All of the proceeds will go to the Basking Ridge Fire Co. general fund, which is used to purchase equipment for the firefighters, EMTs and rescue personnel working for the fire company.

Fordham-Hale said she could not comment on the state of the general fund, but said, "I know for a fact that we're always looking to raise money–there is never enough for equipment."

Questions about the event can be directed to santa@brfco.com or residents can call 908-766-9874, ext. 6.