Annual Santa Run by Golden Dome and RAINE Foundation Lights Up Holidays for Children in Need

The Joy of Giving: The Annual Santa Run in Middletown

The spirit of the holiday season shone brightly in Middletown, New Jersey, on December 18, as the Golden Dome Foundation and RAINE Foundation collaborated to deliver joy to over 2,000 children in need. This year marked the 23rd annual Santa Run, a beloved event that has become a heartwarming holiday tradition for the local community.

As the cheerful sound of sirens filled the air, over 40 fire trucks, all adorned with Santas, departed from Mater Dei Prep High School. This remarkable parade, organized by first responders from an array of local municipalities, is dedicated to delivering toys and gifts directly to the homes of underprivileged children throughout Monmouth County.

The gifts ranged from cozy sweatshirts to shiny new bicycles, ensuring each child's holiday was memorable. Each volunteer disguised as Santa, along with their helpers, rode in fire trucks that were generously contributed by municipalities spanning from South Amboy to Sea Bright.

The day started early with hundreds of volunteers gathering at the prep school, filled with excitement and anticipation. Their hard work leading up to the event was palpable, and the sense of camaraderie among the volunteers resonated through the air. Patti Dickens, founder of the RAINE Foundation, expressed heartfelt gratitude towards Mary Ellen Harris, director of the Golden Dome Foundation. Dickens emphasized the familial bond that the foundation represents: "If you know the RAINE Foundation, you know we're like a family to everyone. If someone in our community needs help, we're there."