Modesto firefighters play Santa today

MODESTO -- Modesto Regional Firefighters are trading their helmets for Santa hats this morning as they deliver packages for children to the Haven Women’s Center in Modesto.

The “Letters to Santa” program, now in its ninth year, will benefit 240 children, officials said in a news release.

In addition to Haven, children at area schools and the Creative Alternatives group home are taking part. Each child will receive some essential items of clothing, and see some of the requests on their letters to Santa fulfilled.

Volunteers also are providing selected families with a turkey dinner.

Much of the money for the program came in through a golf tournament and dinner that brought in more than $24,000, an increase of $6,000 from 2011.

For more information on the Letters to Santa events, activities, or to volunteer, go to