After bringing a special surprise to a Port Matilda family, here’s where Santa is headed next
Trading in his reindeer and sleigh for a fire truck, Santa Claus brought an early “very special” Christmas present to the Betz family this year, and he’s gearing up for more trips around Centre County.
With some help from the Port Matilda Fire Department, Santa brought the Betz children — Nolan, 7, Lydia, 4, and Parker, 15 months — a puppy Saturday while the company made its annual Santa Run.
“This is the best day of my life,” Nolan said after Santa delivered the family a newfypoo named Georgia.
Megan Betz said her kids were “extra nice” this year, and all they wanted for Christmas was a puppy. Since Santa’s visit, she said they’ve helped take Georgia on walks and play with her around the house.
“I love Georgia,” Lydia said. “She’s my best friend.”
Though not a member of any fire company himself, Santa said these events are about “bringing joy to the world” and putting smiles on everyone’s faces — “even in the simplest of ways.”
“I have a strict ‘no live animals’ policy on the sleigh after Donner had a bad experience a few years ago,” Santa said. “And, Saturday was cold and rainy. It was not a nice day, but I heard these kids wanted a puppy, so I thought using a fire truck would help make that happen.”
Santa will visit Boalsburg from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday with the Boalsburg Fire Company. Firefighters will help out as Santa’s “elves,” handing out treats along the way. Visit their Facebook page for updates.
Before heading back to the North Pole, Santa will join the Millheim Fire Company on its Santa Run through Penns Valley on Saturday, followed by a breakfast with Santa on 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday in the company’s engine room, located at 103 North St. He’ll ride with Gregg Township Fire Company from 5-8 p.m. Saturday.
Santa will be assisted by Hope Fire Company on Sunday. Beginning at 5 p.m. in the upper parking lot of Philipsburg-Osceola Area High School, he and company volunteers will be driving through the Philipsburg area until 6:30 p.m. The Santa Run will conclude at the company recreation center, ending with free hot dogs and hot chocolate.
On Christmas Eve, Alpha Fire Company will escort Santa through State College neighborhoods, beginning at 4 p.m. Visit alphafire.com for route details and check the Santa Tracker for real-time updates on Santa’s whereabouts.
This story was originally published December 17, 2019 at 1:22 PM.
