Law enforcement officers help Santa make season special for kids

TAMPA, Fla. - Firefighters and law enforcement in Hillsborough County have a big holiday surprise for surprise students at DeSoto Elementary School.

Santa’s coming to town to make the season special for kids who may not get their favorite toy under the tree this year.

The month-long Sincerely Santa program kicks off Thursday, November 30 with a parade at DeSoto Elementary.

Santa will arrive on the back of a fire engine, flanked by first responders and their vehicles from seven agencies. After the parade, Santa will hold a story time followed by gifts of books for the students to take home.

The parade is scheduled to start at 8:45 a.m. and will proceed down N. 26th St. to DeSoto Elementary School.

Sincerely Santa collects donations and first responders help make the program work. The program has provided necessities like food, clothing, and eyeglasses for more than 100,000 at-risk children in Hillsborough County.

The nonprofit Sincerely Santa organization started in 1987 and has grown each year. Hillsborough County Public Schools selects the schools and children for the program.

Participating departments include Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Tampa Fire Rescue, Tampa Police, Temple Terrace Police, Temple Terrace Fire Rescue, and Florida Highway Patrol.

For more information about the Sincerely Santa program, visit sincerelysantatampa.org.