Clackamas County, OR. – Clackamas Fire District is marking a major milestone this holiday season as it celebrates 51 years of Operation Santa Claus, a long-standing community tradition that delivers holiday cheer while supporting local families in need.
This year’s Operation Santa season includes five community parades and five donation drop-off events across the district. As in recent years, firefighters will not collect donations along parade routes. Instead, residents are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys and non-perishable food items to any drop-off event or participating collection partner.
“For more than five decades, our firefighters and community have come together to support one another during the holidays,” said Doug Whiteley, Clackamas Fire Community Services Division Chief. “That is what makes this tradition so special, and it is something we are incredibly proud to continue.”
Parade Schedule
Wednesday, Dec. 3 — 6:00 p.m. — Clackamas
Thursday, Dec. 4 — 6:00 p.m. — Oregon City
Friday, Dec. 5 — 6:00 p.m. — Happy Valley
Thursday, Dec. 11 — 6:00 p.m. — Milwaukie
Friday, Dec. 12 — 6:00 p.m. — Sandy
Families can track Santa’s progress live using the Santa Tracker on the Clackamas Fire website.
Donation Drop-Off Events
Saturday, Dec. 6 — 12–5 p.m.
Oregon City Hilltop Cinema Parking Lot, 325 Beavercreek Rd., Oregon City
Sunday, Dec. 7 — 2–6 p.m.
City of Happy Valley City Hall, 16000 SE Misty Dr., Happy Valley
Saturday, Dec. 13 — 12–5 p.m.
Sandy Fire Station 71, 17460 Bruns Ave., Sandy
Saturday, Dec. 13 — 12–5 p.m.
Damascus Safeway, 20151 SE Hwy 212, Damascus
Sunday, Dec. 14 — 12–5 p.m.
Milwaukie Farmer’s Market Parking Lot, 10749 SE Main St., Milwaukie
Collection Partners
Donation bins will be available at partner sites beginning November 17 through December 14. Locations include:
- City of Happy Valley City Hall
- Oregon City Swimming Pool
- Oregon City Public Library
- Pioneer Community Center
- Milwaukie City Hall
- Clear Creek Communications
- Gloria’z Pub and Grill
- Milwaukie Police Department
- Willamette View Manor
- Clackamas Fire Gladstone Station 22
- Clackamas Fire Sandy Station 71
Additional sites may be added; residents are encouraged to check the Clackamas Fire website for updated locations.
All donated items will be distributed through local nonprofits including the Clackamas Service Center, AMEN Group, Sandy Kiwanis, Gladstone School District, Adopt-a-Family, and Bloomin’ Boutique.
“Every year, we are overwhelmed by the generosity of our community,” Whiteley said. “Operation Santa continues to be successful because of the kindness of our neighbors, our local partners, and the shared belief that everyone deserves to feel the joy of the holidays.”
For full maps, details, and the Santa Tracker, visit:
https://clackamasfire.com/2025-operation-santa-claus/
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