To the Editor:
Despite the pandemic, the New Salem Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary and Mrs. Claus still want to give the community a little Christmas.

This year, rather than our annual tea, the auxiliary is hosting a drive-through “COVID Cocoa Christmas with Santa and Mrs. Claus” on Sunday, Dec. 12, beginning at 1: p.m. As in past years, reservations are required and prepaid. Please call 518-650-7636 by Nov. 28. The cost is $10 per child.

When reservations are made, you will be given an approximate time to arrive to avoid wait times. You will drive in the back parking lot into the bay of the firehouse, at 694 New Salem Road, Route 85A, and out through the front slowly and in single file while enjoying the atmosphere created for you and yours.

The event will be held snow or shine. Masks are required by all. Roll your windows down and everyone is to stay in their cars.

This year, each child will receive an ornament, a fun edible gift of a chocolate treat that can be put into warm milk to be prepared at home for hot cocoa and of course, our literacy gift of a Christmas book.

We sincerely hope you will bring the children to experience another, although scaled down for this year, magical time with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The auxiliary promises to warm the children’s and your heart.  Santa and Mrs. Claus are looking forward to seeing and waving to you all.

Shirley Unser

New Salem Volunteer

Fire Department Auxiliary