Firefighters kick off 2 holiday drives

Humboldt Bay Firefighters kick off their annual “Share the Magic of Christmas” toy drive and “Santa for Seniors” program Friday at noon at Bayshore Mall in Eureka.

Humboldt Bay Firefighters will be escorting Santa Claus through the mall from the food court to Santa’s Pavilion. Children have the opportunity to have their picture taken with Santa and local firefighters.

Toy donation bins will be at the Bayshore Mall until Sunday. Firefighters will also be collecting toys at the Humboldt County Artisans Craft Fair at Redwood Acres on Dec. 6 to 8. Bring a toy and get in free.

Cash donations are also being accepted for “Santa for Seniors,” with all funds raised going to support the Humboldt Senior Resource Center’s “White Bag” program. This program provides local senior citizens with a decorated holiday bag filled with food treats for the holidays as well as a warm, nutritious meal.

Toys and donations will be collected until Dec. 18 at various locations, including all Humboldt Bay Fire stations and State Farm Insurance offices, Eureka City Hall, George Peterson Insurance, Starbucks at Myrtle and West and at Fifth Street in Eureka, Provident Credit Union, Central Office Copy Center, Discovery Museum, Humboldt Smoke House and The Banana Hut. Donated toys should be new and unwrapped. All the toys will be distributed to children from infant to age 12 in Humboldt County.