New Manchester, West Virginia. ā The big man ditched his Santa suit just in time to attend an event in northern Hancock County for a good cause.
Buddy Stewart, a member of the New Manchester Volunteer Fire Department, has been coordinating the Breakfast with Santa event for 10 years and explains that the event helps raise money for the department’s operating costs and equipment. did.
For a $5 donation, each person can enjoy sausages, unlimited pancakes and beverages including milk, coffee and orange juice during Santa’s two-hour meet and greet at the fire station this Saturday.
New Manchester is an unincorporated community located on State Route 8 near Tomlinson Run State Park, which leads to New Cumberland, the county seat of Hancock.
Unincorporated communities lack local government oversight like a mayor or council. Stewart explained that the 18-person fire department is funded by the Hancock County Commissioners and the state of West Virginia. But he explained that the fire department also relies on fundraisers, such as fundraisers held on Saturdays during the seven weeks of Lent and weekly fish fries on Fridays.
For example, the department has one of two local parallel vehicles in the area with self-contained brush units. This is very important as this area has very rural and grassy terrain. If necessary, this particular unit can also be used to transport injured people from dangerous areas that are difficult to reach for full-fledged fire trucks and ambulances.
New Manchester is currently in the process of converting the unit into a multi-purpose truck by installing a multi-purpose truck bed for wildfire protection. Stewart said Lawrenceville FD is the only department in Hancock County with a brush department.
Approximately 70 people typically attend the annual breakfast meeting. This breakfast not only raises funds for an important cause, but also provides a unique experience for the community.
After moving back here from Fairmont, West Virginia, 10 years ago, he said nothing could have been better for the residents. Currently, various groups can be found using the idea of āā“Breakfast with Santa” (and the Easter Bunny in the spring) to reach their fundraising goals.
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