Even under an overcast sky and a chill that hinted at deeper winter, the warmth of community was unmistakable on Sunday, December 7, 2025, as the White Bluff–Rye Hill Rural Volunteer Fire Department carried out its 33rd Annual Santa Run. What began more than three decades ago as a small holiday outreach has grown into one of the most cherished traditions in the fire district—uniting families, volunteers, and first responders in a day built entirely on generosity and joy.
For several days leading up to the event, the fire stations buzzed with activity. Volunteer “elves” — firefighters, auxiliary members, families, and community helpers — worked tirelessly to stuff bags of treats, organize donations, decorate the apparatus, and prepare each detail of Santa’s journey. Trucks were cleaned, fueled, checked, and staged, ready to carry Christmas cheer to children and adults across the district.
By early afternoon on Sunday, three fully staffed pumpers rolled out, each assigned to one of the mapped routes that ensure Santa visits every corner of the White Bluff–Rye Hill fire district. Riding proudly on the tailboard was Santa himself, surrounded by a cheerful crew of elves. Behind them followed a support convoy including Sebastian County Emergency Management and law enforcement, lending not only manpower but festivity — complete with sirens and lights dancing against the gray sky.
The very first stop of the day carried deeper meaning for the department. A beloved member of the WBRH fire family who, despite fighting cancer, refused to let illness keep him from being part of the tradition he holds dear. For the firefighters in the district, the visit symbolized the true heart of the Santa Run: community, resilience, and unwavering support.
As the parade of emergency vehicles wound through neighborhoods, excitement spilled into the streets. Children ran ahead of their parents, shouting that Santa was on the way. Many adults, now bringing their own children, recalled their own childhood memories of standing roadside waiting for the fire trucks to crest the hill with Santa waving from the top.
In the Shadow Lake community, the spirit of giving came full circle. Residents greeted the crews with homemade baked treats, returning kindness to the volunteers who bring holiday magic to their doorsteps year after year. The exchange embodied the bond between the rural department and the people they serve — one built not only on emergency response, but on shared traditions and mutual appreciation.
The Santa Run remains possible thanks to the generosity of dozens of local businesses, donors, and supporters who contribute annually. Their sponsorship ensures the department can continue to bring Santa to the district each Christmas season, spreading joy and strengthening the connection between first responders and the families who depend on them.
Though the air was cold, the hearts of all involved — volunteers, children, families, and first responders — were undeniably warm. After 33 years, the Santa Run continues to shine as one of the district’s most uplifting events, reminding all that the greatest gifts often come not wrapped in paper, but carried on the front of a fire engine, delivered by neighbors who care.
As the trucks returned to the station later that evening, the echoes of laughter and sirens faded into the December dusk — but the memories made across the district will last far longer, carried into the new year on the steady, generous spirit of the White Bluff–Rye Hill community.
*** A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE 2025 DONORS ***
First Responder Childrens Foundation – Toy Express * Summit Utilities / A.O.G. * Workmans Tavel Plaza * Hassett Body Repair * Brewton Plumbing Service, LLC * Casey’s General Store * Sean Baker and Family * Scott & Deborah Clark / BHC Insurance * Mike & Kaylee Conger * Scott’s Refrigeration * Bob Martindale Construction * JM Supply * A&B Pawn / Anglers Liquor / Lewellen Holdings * MSG Waste Management * Tri-State Trailer Rentals * Hawkins Water Treatment * Jack’s Building Supply * Didier Properties, LLC * Qualserv Solutions * Farmers Bank * Edwards Funeral Home * McConnell Funeral Home * Copher’s Boat Sales * The 3 Boys & Me Boutique * Blossom Box * Hi-Tech Truck Refrigeration * Hi-Tech Rentals, LLC * Thomas Electric * Maries Lock & Safe * Anonymous Donor * Cadence Bank * Mock Legal Solutions * Dr. James Butler * Ed & Eileen Savold * Harvey Preston Electric * Rheem * Heartland Business Systems – Jennifer Bricker * Kenny Wray’s Auto * Farm Credit * Faith Baptist Church * Klein Tools
Total Rehabilitation * ASE Alarm * PSG Pharmacy * Angela Judkins * Tim & Clara Garvey * Mary Connally * Chris Bunn * Joe & Vicki Taylor * T&J Specialty Contractors * Beshears Construction * Express Tree and Landscaping * Tackle Box * J.J. & Johnette Seiter * Kim & Matt Singer * Brixey Engineering & Land Surveying, Inc. * Charmaine Haunert * Mai Pad Thai * Pam Moreton * Jammie Moore * Nabholz Construction * Snap-On Tools * KTCS 99.9 * AAA U-Rent-It * A.M.A.C. – Larry Womack * Bobby’s Plumbing * Dusty’s Collision * In Good Spirits * Kyle Treece * Mars Corporation * Bulldog Nutrition on the Square * GP Bucket Brigade Education Division * Volunteer Firefighter Alliance * Arkansas Childrens Hospital * * Alert All * Docuprint * Calico County * Ben E. Keith * Springfield Grocers *
Glidewell Distributing * KMAC Enterprises * Moka Joes * Operation Gratitude * Arvest * DCS Communications * Hugg & Hall Storage * Laura & Ray W * Raising Cane’s Restaurant * BML Builders (Bill & Marylin Lovell) * 19th Tee * Choctaw Casino * US Fleet Tracking * Clean Machine Pressure Washing * Utility Tri-State, Inc * Whitt Truck Repair * * Shirley’s Tax Service – Greenwood * Shirley’s Tax Service – Greenwood * Harbor Freight * Malco Theaters * The Egg of Fort Smith * Cheddars * Alert All * Johnson Dermatology * Choctaw Casino * Umarex USA * Fulmer Candy Company * Casco Industries * Helena’s Beaute Bar * Pam Caldwell / Dr. Stiles – Eye Group * Metro by T-Mobile * A-Z Tools * A-Z Gifts * Greenwood Express Lube * * Zapatas Mexican * NAFECO * Longhorn Steakhouse * Texas Roadhouse * Sharum’s Garden Center * Alterations by Lori * Red Lobster * Parrot Island Water Park * Strands Hair and Lash Lounge * * Autozone – Hwy 71 south * Siddons and Martin * Southern Tire Mart * Warren’s Shoes * Tractor Supply-Greenwood * Thermoking of Fort Smith * ANONYMOUS DONORS
White Bluff-Rye Hill Firefighters * Medical 1st Responders * Auxiliary * Jr Firefighters * Board Members * Sebastian County Search & Rescue * Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office * Sebastian County O.E.M.
