are you supposed to give money to santa on a fire truck?

Question

the local volunteer fire department drives a fire truck through the neighborhoods every year, with a Santa on top, waving to everyone. there are also firefighters walking along side, handing out candy canes. are you supposed to give them a donation? we gave them a few dollars and they seemed confused... (but they gave us a candy cane!)

Answer 1

The only means I have seen for volunteer fire departments to raise money are:
1) The mailing they usually do once a year to residents within the fire district
2) Occassionaly they will setup the truck and a few firefighters in front of the fire house or along some somewhat busy road in town and solicit donation via you putting cash in an empty fire boot they are holding.

I think they just do the Santa on Firetruck thing for their own enjoyment and for the enjoyment of the community.

Answer 2

No... If you want to donate money donate to someplace that accounts for their donations. This time of year everyone and their brother tries to collect donations but about 1/5 of those are actually used for what they say..

Answer 3

Many fire departments have programs that help the needy with food,clothing,and even toys around the Christmas season.

Answer 4

there are a number of community Christmas traditions. In my community, there is one 'Santa' that comes door to door and can provide out candy canes and small toys. yet, no, there's no firetruck in my community.

Answer 5

Why dont I dress like Santa if you'll dole out to me..Where did you say you lived?

Answer 6

not that you aren't supposed to but it's not commonly done.if you want to make a donation do it directly to the firehouse.

Answer 7

Uh, no, I don't think you were supposed to do that. They probably though that was a tip or something.