The Burien / Normandy Park Fire Department has done a holiday outreach program for over 25 years, and Tuesday morning (Dec. 22nd), they set out with Santa in their shiny fire trucks to make their annual delivery to 59 local families in need.
Local firefighters receive family names from the Washington Department of Social and Health Services office, then provide each one with a nice turkey dinner as well as stuffing, pies and other assorted food.
Each family also receives several toys and gifts for each child, as well as gift cards to Fred Meyer for each teenager 13-17.
One hundred percent of all donations are returned to the community and all donations are distributed locally.
“Contributions were down a bit this year,” said Doug Leudeman of Fire District #2. “And while we had enough gifts to give out, we could certainly use more cash donations to help offset some of the costs.”
Cash donations are still being accepted at the Burien/Normandy Park Fire Department Headquarters Station, located at 15100 8th Ave SW; phone: (206) 242-2040; website: www.burienfire.org.
Photographer Michael Brunk was there to capture this Photo Slideshow:
| Dec ’09 |
| 2 |
| 6:00 pm |
Santa will be arriving in Burien to help light up our big fir tree, along with firefighters, the St. Francis School Choir, free treats and much more at the annual Tree Lighting Festival on Wednesday, Dec. 2nd beginning at 6pm.
The ceremony will take place at the large Fir tree at BTB Advertiser’s Y-B Tubless store, located at 633 SW 148th in Burien.
Here are the details:
WHAT: Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 2nd beginning at 6pm
WHERE: The giant Fir tree at YB Tubless, located at 633 SW 148th
INFO: Santa will arrive with Burien firefighters on a fire engine and the St. Francis School Choir will sing Christmas songs.
Treats and hot beverages will be available for everyone.
We will also be collecting canned food for local needy families.
Come out and enjoy the evening.
Gwin Smith, longtime owner of Burien's YB Tubless/Economy Wiring.
Story and Photos by Janet Grella
On a cold and clear December night (Wednesday, Dec. 3rd), Gwin Smith, longtime owner of YB Tubless/Economy Wiring hosted Burien’s 42rd Christmas Tree Lighting at 633 SW 148th in Burien.
He started this tradition in 1966 when he first bought Economy Wiring. Over the years his small celebration has grown to include the St. Francis Choir and the King County Station #2 Burien/Normandy Park Fire Department.
In the first eight years of the tree lighting, Gwin climbed the huge fir tree himself to install the lights and then climbed back up in January to take them down. This changed some years ago, when the fire department took responsibility for installing and removing the lights.
After singing Christmas Carols, the St. Francis Choir welcomed Santa Claus, who arrived with sirens a-blazing in the front seat of a fire truck. After greeting the kids, he distributed candy canes to one and all.
Santa used all his resources, including help from one of Burien's finest, to light up the Christmas tree Wednesday night.
Like magic, when the crowd (led by Santa) shouted “Merry Christmas,” the large tree was ablaze with its 42nd year of Christmas lights in Burien.
Merriment, song and Christmas cheer was enjoyed by an estimated 150 adults and children.
