The 2020 Operation Santa Claus Drive is going on now!
The contactless collection events begin Nov. 28 through Dec. 13, as Operation Santa has been a Clackamas Fire tradition within the community for more than 46 years. The goal is to collect non-perishable food and new, unwrapped toys for families in need within the communities we serve.
While the goal is the same as it has been for the last 46 years, the strategy to collect donations has shifted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with contactless donation drop-off events. Due to the state-wide ‘freeze’ and the need to prevent the spread of COVID-19, we will not be collecting donations at our fire stations or through our neighborhood parades.
The sleigh bells from Operation Santa Claus have been ringing for the citizens of Clackamas Fire District #1 since 1974.
Firefighters recognized the need to provide toys and food baskets to families and individuals that were less fortunate, and not likely to experience the joys of the holiday season. Hence, Operation Santa Claus was formed.
Historically, during this holiday toy and food drive, fire district volunteers and employees lead Santa’s fire engine parade down neighborhood streets to collect toys and non-perishable food items, which are used to fill hundreds of food boxes for families in need. Donated new toys bring a little extra Christmas cheer to children. Donated funds are used to purchase items for food boxes, and help cover miscellaneous expenses.
Operation Santa Claus is 100% funded by donations from members of the community and does not solicit funds or donations over the phone.
If you have general Operation Santa questions, please email: opsanta@clackamasfire.com or leave a message on the Operation Santa message line: 503-742-2940.
Operation Santa receives applicants from Toy & Joy/Compassion in Action Clackamas County, as well as requests for assistance directly via an online application. Toy & Joy/Compassion in Action Clackamas County serves as a coordinating agency for many Clackamas County holiday drives to assure the most people can be served.
Please visit Toy & Joy/Compassion in Action Clackamas County’s website for information on how to apply for assistance at: http://www.ciacc.org/.
- Collection Barrels
Due to COVID-19, we are not accepting any donations at our community fire stations. Between November 28 and December 13, contactless donation drop-off events will be held outside at various locations. The list of drop-off donation events are listed below. When attending a contactless donation drop-off event, please make sure you are wearing a face covering, maintain six feet of physical distance from our staff and those around you, and stay home if you are sick. - Clackamas Town Center Giving Tree
The Giving Tree is a partnership between Clackamas Town Center and Clackamas Fire District #1, where you can donate new, unwrapped toys to the Giving Tree location inside the Clackamas Town Center mall. - The Parade
Due to COVID-19 and to prevent its spread, there will not be any neighborhood parades. - Financial Donations
A tax-deductible donation can be made to the Clackamas Emergency Services Foundation, which is a non-profit organization associated with Clackamas Fire District #1. The Foundation is a tax-exempt organization formed under IRC 501(c)(3). It is through these donations that allow the fire district to fill the voids in assuring a balanced and respectable holiday food boxes and toys.To make an online donation to Operation Santa, click HERE and select “Operation Santa Claus Program” from the dropdown tab that says, “(Optional) Use this donation for”. Or mail a check made out to the Clackamas Emergency Services Foundation and making sure to note “Operation Santa” on the memo line of the check to: Clackamas Fire District #1 c/o: Clackamas Emergency Services Foundation, 11300 SE Fuller Rd., Milwaukie, OR 97222.
| DATE | DAY | LOCATION | TIME |
| November 28 | Saturday | Clackamas Fire Station 10 22310 S. Beavercreek Rd., Beavercreek |
1pm–7pm |
| November 29 | Sunday | Oregon City Hilltop Cinema Parking Lot 358 Warner Milne Rd., Oregon City |
1pm–7pm |
| December 04 | Friday | Clackamas Fire Training Center Grounds 15990 SE 130th Ave., Clackamas |
5pm–8pm |
| December 05 | Saturday | Clackamas Town Center – Sears Parking Lot 11800 SE 82nd Ave., Happy Valley |
1pm–7pm |
| December 06 | Sunday | City of Happy Valley City Hall 16000 SE Misty Dr., Happy Valley |
1pm–7pm |
| December 11 | Friday | Clackamas Fire Training Center Grounds 15990 SE 130th Ave., Clackamas |
5pm–8pm |
| December 12 | Saturday | Clackamas Fire Station 14 28655 SE Hwy 212, Boring |
1pm–7pm |
| December 13 | Sunday | Milwaukie Farmer’s Market Parking Lot 1073 SE Main St., Milwaukie |
1pm–7pm |
Call 503-742-2940 to leave a message for Operation Santa Claus.