The Allingtown Volunteer Fire Association doesn’t just help their community, they bring holiday spirit, too.
On Saturday, the Allingtown Volunteer Fire Association (AVFA) took over the Allingtown Green with an annual tree lighting ceremony and a chance for children to greet Santa with their Christmas wishes. Firefighters sold wreaths and gave out hot cocoa and cookies while the department’s fire truck was a spectacle to see with colorful lights. Children were able to climb up and see inside the truck apparatus, which made multiple loops around the green during the two-hour festival.
Not only were members of the AVFA engaged with the families of West Haven who came to the celebration, anyone who visited with Santa and Mrs. Claus received a stuffed animal from donations collected by PetSmart.
Some members of the AVFA are also university students, including junior fire science major Mason Glines, who took on the role of Santa for the night and helped give out toys and candy canes to kids who visited.
He was joined by senior Alida Bates as Mrs. Claus who has volunteered for this event the past three years. Bates will begin the process to become a police officer in her home state of New Hampshire next month while she finishes her undergraduate degree in the spring. She said one of the reasons she wants to become an officer is to “create a positive impact on the community through community engagement.”
“The joy you get to see when helping others is the best feeling and, in the end, makes it all worth it,” said Bates.
Vanessa Connolly, a junior at the university, and a member of the track and field team, was on duty in firefighter gear but she and her colleagues still made the time to connect with local families.
“This event is not only a chance to celebrate Christmas but also a vital way to strengthen the bond between the volunteers and the community they serve,” Connolly said. “Many families return year after year, eager to participate in the festivities and create lasting memories. The smiles on the faces of the kids and the joy shared by everyone is a testament to the strength of the Allingtown community.”
West Haven Mayor Dorinda Borer also attended the event. Several students made their way to the celebration, including Madison Mabrito, who said this was the first time she has seen a fire department do something like this.
“It was nice to see the community outside of UNH gathering for such a festive event,” Marbrito said.
The event brought together the university community and the West Haven community to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season.
“This annual event is a reminder of the spirit of giving and togetherness that defines the season, and we’re proud to be a part of it,” Connolly said.
