Grand Terrace Firefighters Begin Selling Christmas Trees

On Nov. 30, during what has become a community tradition, Grand Terrace firefighters will begin their annual Christmas Tree sale at 9 a.m. . The tree lot at Fire Station #23, just off of Mt. Vernon Ave. and Barton Road on City Center Drive, will be open weekdays from 4 to 9 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. through Dec. 21. Santa Claus will also be around the city with plenty of chances for Grand Terrace children to spot the famous big-bellied toy giver from the North Pole. The tradition, which began 30 years ago, gives residents and locals the opportunity to support and donate to the local fire association, which uses funds raised in the holiday efforts to purchase equipment and pay for expenses incurred by training. Firefighters will be available to deliver the trees within the city limits, Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., for a small fee of $5 per delivery. Children can catch Santa and his team each night as they proceed through the designated city streets as per schedule. Meeting places include: • North of Barton Rd./East of Mt. Vernon Ave. on Dec. 5 • Between Barton Rd. and DeBerry Street/East of Mt. Vernon Ave. on Dec. 6 • From the county line to DeBerry Street/East of Mt. Vernon Ave. on Dec. 7 • From the county line to DeBerry/West of Mount Vernon Ave. to the freeway on Dec. 12 • North of DeBerry Street/West of Mt. Vernon Ave., including the apartment complexes and condominium units on Dec. 13 On Dec. 14, Grand Terrace firefighters and Santa Claus will try to visit areas that may have been missed throughout the previous visits. Santa's rides will start at approximately 6 p.m. each night and run through about 9 p.m. The tree lot will also serve as a toy drop-off for The Spark of Love Toy Drive, which will help brighten the holidays of countless kids. Interested community members may donate new, wrapped toys to the Fire Station during these designated hours. Calls to the fire station are not permitted; the phone number is for emergencies only. If you have any questions, stop by and visit the fire station beginning Nov. 30 from 4-9 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. on weekends. Fire station personnel would like to thank the community in advance for all of their support and they look forward to bringing smiles and joy to the Blue Mountain City during this holiday season.