Santa Claus is scheduled to make an appearance at the Dec. 6 toy and food drive sponsored by the Long Lake Fire Department Slow Burn Brigade and at the View Santa program later that day in the Independence and Maple Plain area. Pictured above, Santa visited Mound last week during the city’s tree lighting ceremony Nov. 20. (Pioneer photo by Amanda Schwarze)

Many people are jumping into holiday festivities right about now by decorating, baking and shopping. Organizers of two local events taking place Dec. 6 are hoping that community members will also help families in need this season.

The Long Lake Fire Department Slow Burn Brigade, a newly-formed organization that aims to support the Long Lake Fire Department, is sponsoring a toy and food drive Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Long Lake Fire Department Station 1, located at 340 Willow Drive in Long Lake.

“We hope to create a positive environment to bring the community together for social enjoyment and most importantly, share with those less fortunate,” Nicole Chappell, president of the Slow Burn Brigade said.

“There will fresh cookies and hot apple cider to enjoy, a silent auction of a variety of great items, a bake sale of fresh holiday treats and we will be joined by Santa Claus who will be taking pictures with those who wish,” she said.

The brigade is hoping to collect new, unwrapped toys for children of all ages (although there is a general need for toys for older children Chappell noted) and non-perishable food items that will go directly to Interfaith Outreach.

Chappell said that the Slow Burn Brigade hopes to make the event an annual festivity in the community.

Santa will also be visiting the Independence and Maple Plain area Dec. 6 as part of the annual View Santa program put on by the West Hennepin Public Safety Department’s Police Reserve unit.

Santa will travel on a decorated float and his helpers will hand out candy to children. Members of the reserve unit will also be collecting voluntary non-perishable food donations for local food shelves. Donations can also be dropped off at Maple Plain City Hall, 1620 Maple Avenue, or at Independence City Hall, 1920 County Road 90, by Dec. 5.

Donations of money can be mailed to or dropped off at the West Hennepin Public Safety office, 1918 County Road 90 Maple Plain 55359, by Dec. 5.

Children can meet Santa at the Maple Plain City Hall parking lot from 5:15 until 5:45 p.m. or see him on his route through town (times noted are approximate):

3:40 p.m. - Fieldstone Pl.

4 p.m. - Providence Cv.

4:35 p.m. - North Budd Ave., Maple Plain Community Church

4:50 p.m. - Independence St., Howard Ave., Drake St., Perkins Lane, Main St. East

5:15-5:45 p.m. - Maple Plain City Hall parking lot

6 p.m. - Budd Ave, Bryantwood Dr., Joyce St., Bryant St., Prairieland Ave., Wyman Ave., Pioneer Ave.

7 p.m. - Main St. West, Halgren Rd., Parkview Rd., Rainbow Ave., Three Oaks

For more information on the View Santa program, call West Hennepin Public Safety at (763) 479-0500.