Retired Moore firefighter Charles Mosley wanted to help underprivileged children in Moore have a happier Christmas, so he collected toys and gifts and began the Moore Fire Department's Santa Express.
The tradition has lasted 30 years because of "his heart for the kids," said Moore firefighter Capt. Robert Crain.
The firefighters make donations and collect donations from businesses, both monetary and gifts. One hundred percent of the money will go to the children and will be used to buy specific gifts.
"This year we are reaching out to the community," Crain said.
Once the donations are collected, the firefighters deliver the gifts to the children in a fire truck.
"School counselors are our contact persons in the community," Crain said. "They are the most qualified because they work very closely with the kids."
Boxes have been placed at businesses around Old Town and some of the stores off the beaten path will have donation boxes, Crain said.
"We typically have around 250 kids," Crain said. "But this year with the economy the way it is we expect the number to be higher and we are hoping we have the means to meet that need."
Monetary donations may be made online via PayPal or checks made payable to Santa Express may be mailed to Moore Santa Express, 115 E. Main St., Moore OK 73160.
They also may be taken to the Farmer's Market, 105 E. Main St. 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 4, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 5 or to any Moore fire station, Dec. 6 to 20.
For more information or to make a donation online, visit www.mooresantaexpress.com.
The five Oklahoma City metro area Allegiance Credit Unions have adopted three families for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Employees will provide Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas dinner and gifts for the families.
The credit union at 12200 S. Western Ave. has adopted a Moore family and is raising funds this week and are collecting money, gifts and services.
"We have a photographer that has donated a portrait package for them and a gym may donate a family membership," said Kerri Campbell, Allegiance Credit Union. "There are 19 children between the three families."
Money donations will be collected this week to buy the Thanksgiving dinner and gifts for the children and two parents will be accepted, Campbell said.
Donations may be dropped off at the credit union.
Edward Jones Investments is a drop off point for the Marine Corps Toys for Tots.
New unwrapped toys may be dropped off 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through Dec. 10 at the office, 420 S. Broadway, Suite B.
This is the first year the firm has participated in the program and employees are excited, said coordinator Danielle McKenzie.
Local News
Firemen, businesses adopt children for the holidays
- Local News
-
-
Newsroom attracts odd tales,
A newsroom caller had an unusual request: “Can you make sure my divorce gets in the paper this weekend?” she asked. Most readers w
-
Moore Library Upcoming Events
Presentation by debut author The Moore Public Library hosts “An Evening with Constance Squires,” a discussion of the author’s work
-
Andy Alligator’s Water Park celebrated first day of operations
Moore families can add a new location to their local summer destinations. Andy Alligator’s Water Park, at 3300 Market Place Drive celebrated its first day of operations Saturday, in spite of weather being less than ideal.
-
Emotions run high at GOP meeting Monday
The 2012 Oklahoma Republican Party State Convention at the Norman Embassy Suites this weekend drew widespread attention with reports of in-fighting between supporters of Ron Paul and Mitt Romney.
-
Man accused in shooting
County prosecutors on Tuesday accused a Nowata man of a drive-by shooting after a barroom altercation in Moore.
-
Moore Public Library hosts annual Summer Reading Kickoff
Start the summer with the Moore Public Library, as a season of reading, activities and family fun gets started at the end of May.
-
The joy of good memories
Mother’s Day is but a fond memory; with high school graduation within days. Many gifts were purchased for these special events for those we hold dear.
-
Keeping the lawn green and healthy during the summer
It is the time of year when everyone wants a golf course for a front yard. So I get a lot of questions about weeds, fertilization,
-
Moore Alumni Association awarded scholarships today
The Moore High School Alumni Association proudly awarded seven Moore High School students with college scholarships today. Recipien
-
Business Briefs
Tiffany Nels promoted Lee R. Symcox, president and CEO of First Fidelity Bank, a locally owned full-service community bank, has ann
- More Local News Headlines
-
Newsroom attracts odd tales,
