Santa Brigade rolls out for toys, food
Published 4:30 am Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Looking to keep the generosity flowing from record totals last year, Santa’s Toy and Food Fire Brigade will embark next week through Sequim to collect toys, food, and monetary donations to help local residents.
“It’s definitely my favorite week of the year,” said John Brygider, who plays Santa Claus for the annual event.
He and career staff and volunteers with Clallam County Fire District 3, Clallam County Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 2933, and the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) have set routes from Dec. 8-12 through the Sequim area. They’ll ride in fire district vehicles, play festive music, and offer candy canes and photo-ops with Santa and the Grinch.
Toys will be accepted for Sequim Community Aid’s Toys for Sequim Kids, and food for the Sequim Food Bank. Organizers said monetary donations can also be accepted for either or split between the two agencies.
Lt. Marc Lawson said the Toy and Food Brigade started through the fire district’s Explorer program in 2008 and grew to become a more expansive “fire family thing.”
He continues to participate because “it gives back to our community and helps those in most need, and it spreads Christmas cheer.”
Here is the schedule for Santa’s Toy and Food Brigade:
• 5-8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8
South of West Fir Street from Seventh Avenue to Sunnyside Avenue. Note: Santa will be at The Lodge at 4 p.m.
• 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9
Neighborhoods northeast of Sequim Avenue and East Washington Street.
• 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10
Start at the top of Emerald Highlands and go to Brownfield Road to Simdars Road and north through nearby subdivisions before finishing at the Elk Creek Apartments.
• 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11
Sunland clubhouse and nearby
• 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12
Sequim Walmart, 1110 W. Washington St.
Note: CERT volunteers will be at the booth all day and night with Santa at the store from 5-8 p.m.
Toys for Sequim Kids provides free gifts for children ages 1-18 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, at the Sequim Prairie Grange, 290 Macleay Road. Parents and guardians must show proof of Sequim School District residency, with only one adult allowed to enter the event, and no child care available.
For more information, leave a message with Sequim Community Aid at 360-681-3731.
Sequim Food Bank, 144 W. Alder St., is open 1-4 p.m. Mondays, and 9 a.m.-noon Fridays and Saturdays. Call 360-683-1205 or visit sequimfoodbank.org for more information.
Toys for Sequim Kids’ giving trees around Sequim will accept items through Sunday, Dec. 14.
Clallam County Fire District Station 34, 323 N. Fifth Ave., will also accept toy, food and monetary donations through then.
