43rd annual 'Cheer for Children'

COHOES, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- An annual Christmas Eve event that’s been happening in the Capital Region for decades went off without a hitch.  Tis the season for joy and cheer and in Cohoes, the 43rd season of the Uniformed Fire Fighters’ Cheer for Children. And every year they bring in the big guy to help them out.

“I got to help these guys out. These guys do great things for the city, and I'm just here to help them out,” explained Santa.

Santa and the firefighters delivered hundreds of toys to the children while riding along in the firetrucks, spreading Christmas joy. “There's no snow, which is good news from the NEWS10 team. They helped us out with the weather forecast, today. We got the snow earlier this morning, roads are clear. We're ready to deliver some toys,” said Santa.

But Santa couldn’t do it alone. before the big event he needed a little help from his friends. “We had two groups, two-day event, about four people that came and helped out. So again, gracious sponsors, volunteers that came out and helped us.” Uniformed Firefighter, Lieutenant Daniel Slaver explains, “This year, we're able to support 85 families, 221 kids. We bagged up all those teams on Saturday.”

The NEWS10 crew followed along as Santa made his stop and firefighters gave out gifts to neighborhood kids as well. For those that may want to help the firefighters and Santa give to the children. “If anybody wants to donate toys or anything, our doors are always open to accept donations stuff,” said Slaver.

Santa said the firefighters in Cohoes have been on his good list for over a century now. “There's an article back in 1921 that the firefighters were giving toys, stockings and shoes to the boys and girls in Cohoes, back then. So, 103 years ago,” stated Santa.  

And as a diligent reporter would do, NEWS10’s Reporter, James De La Fuente had to ask Santa the tough questions. “I have some friends back at the studio and they're kind of wondering if they're on a list or not. So, I told them I would ask because I've got a fried over here,” asked NEWS10’s Reporter, James De La Fuente.

“Of course, they're on the nice list. They're working on Christmas Eve. Of course, they got to be on the nice list, right, James?” said Santa.

“Absolutely, Santa. Absolutely,” agreed De La Fuente. 

For any family looking to get on Santa’s good list in Cohoes head on over to Uniformed Firefighters of Cohoes Facebook page.