Santa makes early visit to Monterey Peninsula kids

Santa Claus paid children on the Monterey Peninsula an early visit this week, according to the Monterey Fire Department.

Toys collected in barrels at all five local fire stations during the city’s toy drive were handed out to more than 200 children December 17 and 18.“Thanks to community support, our toy drive collected over 1,000 gifts this year,” said Fire Chief Gaudenz Panholzer. “We couldn’t have done it without the generosity of the volunteers and community.”

About 100 volunteers wrapped those gifts at Monterey High School on December 16.

“Kids come to the door with smiles on their faces, and parents with tears of joy in their eyes,” said Division Chief Felix Colello. “This is one of many rewarding programs that the Monterey Firefighters Association puts on.”