Local communities are well known for their generosity, and residents of Clearwater and Clear Lake were out in full force last weekend hosting Toys for Tots toy drives for families with children in need and collecting food for the Clearwater/Clear Lake Area Food Shelf.

The Clearwater Sons of the American Legion kicked off the events on Saturday with their annual Toys for Tots station, set up so area residents had a convenient place to stop by to drop off toys and monetary donations for the area’s regional Toys for Tots organization. As an added incentive, those who donated received a buy one get one drink ticket to use inside the Legion.

A toasty campfire helped warm up members of the Sons of the American Legion and the Legion Riders as they cheerfully greeted everyone who stopped by.

Next door to the Legion, Clearwater Corners also hosted Toys for Tots, with members of the Clearwater River Cats volunteering their time to work the event.

That afternoon The Brickyard Bar & Grill hosted their own Toys for Tots event, with Santa Claus on hand to keep spirits merry. The Grinch also put in an appearance, as his heart, now three times its original size, was full to bursting with Christmas cheer.

Sunday night the sound of sirens could be heard throughout Clearwater neighborhoods as Santa was paraded through town on a fire truck lit up with brightly colored Christmas lights. 

With a hearty ho-ho-ho, Santa waved at spectators who had bundled up to watch him ride past. Members of the Clearwater Fire Dept. walked along with him, handing out goodie bags to the kids and collecting food for the food shelf that everyone was encouraged to donate.

The Clearwater/Clear Lake Area Food Shelf is always accepting donations. Toys for Tots collection boxes will be available for donations through December 17.