Santa and the Berthoud Fire Department bring holiday magic to a special group
By Katie Harris
The Surveyor
Jingling bells and anticipatory whispers announced Santa’s arrival at Berthoud Elementary’s early childhood classroom Thursday, Dec. 21, just hours before the preschoolers were dismissed for winter break.
Santa has arrived at the school bearing gifts for the past six years, thanks to a partnership between the Berthoud El location of the Thompson Integrated Early Childhood Program and Berthoud Fire Protection District. Each year teacher Emily Vanderwall compiles a wish list for her 30 students and sends it to the fire department. The firefighters, accompanied by Santa Clause himself, then make a special appearance during the class’s holiday party to bring each child a hand-selected present.
Firefighter Andy Berger, who joined the delivery crew for the fourth time this year, said the gift-giving tradition is just as exciting for the firefighters as it is for the kids.
“Each year our front office lets us know when the giving tree is set up and we all go and pick out at least one or two names, and we pick up whatever’s on their lists,” he said. “The firefighters buy all the gifts, so it’s really exciting when we recognize our wrapping and get to watch the kids open the presents we picked out.”
For Vanderwall’s class, the majority of which consists of students who qualify through low-income and at-risk programs Head Start and Colorado Preschool Program or due to special needs, the effort of the firefighters is the highlight of the holiday season.
“Every year my parents and children are surprised and delighted to receive gifts,” she said. “The parents are so grateful that someone took time to think of their child at this special time of year by purchasing a gift specific to what their child has asked for from Santa.”
For the long-time preschool teacher, the joy her students feel is best evidenced by their smiles and laughter.
“The children delight in seeing Santa in their very own classroom,” she said. “They’re amazed that he would make a special trip just to visit them at school.”
Berger, who’s had the opportunity to take on the role of Santa in years past, said knowing a lot of the students in the Early Childhood Program are in need, and seeing how happy they are to see Santa and receive their gifts, makes it all worthwhile.
“This partnership between our preschool and the Berthoud Fire Department helps build the bond between our firefighters and our community,” said Vanderwall. “The firefighters’ act of service is a beautiful demonstration of the magic and generosity of the holiday season.”
As Santa handed out gifts to the wide-eyed preschoolers, surrounded by the families, teachers and firefighters who worked together to make the moment possible, it was hard to tell who enjoyed the experience more, the gift receivers or the gift givers, but there was no doubt the holidays became a little more magical for everyone in the room that day.
- October, 07 2021
Construction progressing at Chimney H...
Construction activities continue to ramp up at the Chimney Hollow Reservoir....
- July, 22 2021
Suspect in Fort Collins homicide arre...
The Fort Collins Police Department announced Tuesday that a suspect in a deadly shooting outside...
- October, 21 2021
If the shoe fits, take it to Pierre...
It’s part technical skill, part art form and those who do it have become few...
- September, 30 2021
Serving Berthoud – Jessica Herm...
Our little town, a spot that an unknowing observer would scroll past without scant interest...
- June, 14 2018
Full agenda for town trustees
Rudy Hemmann The Surveyor The Rose Farm Metropolitan District came before the board again. At...
- October, 06 2022
Bear activity increases in preparatio...
Black bears in Colorado are entering a phase called hyperphagia and will spend up to...
Obituary – Shirley French
Community NewsBHS places third in 4A Colorado Knowledge Bowl 2024
Community NewsRide along with Berthoud’s snowplow drivers
Community NewsSpartans steal the show at Roosevelt High School
Community NewsSurveyor launches Berthoud Beat podcast
Local News
COMMUNITY CALENDAR:
Community Calendar – add an eventHomestead Fine Art Gallery First Fridays OPEN HOUSE
05 Apr 4:00 PM - 7:00 PMHomestead Fine Art Gallery First Fridays OPEN HOUSE
03 May 4:00 PM - 7:00 PMHomestead Fine Art Gallery First Fridays OPEN HOUSE
07 Jun 4:00 PM - 7:00 PMHomestead Fine Art Gallery First Fridays OPEN HOUSE
05 Jul 4:00 PM - 7:00 PMHomestead Fine Art Gallery First Fridays OPEN HOUSE
02 Aug 4:00 PM - 7:00 PMHomestead Fine Art Gallery First Fridays OPEN HOUSE
06 Sep 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM