Enquirer staff report

Northern Kentucky firefighters are going the extra mile to spread Christmas cheer in their communities.

On Sunday, members of Wilder's department climbed onto trucks and headed out to neighborhoods to hand out candy, continuing a 15-year tradition.

Santa, otherwise know as safety officer Joe Eggemeier, with the Wilder Fire Department, waves at homes as he rides a fire truck on a mission of giving out treats Sunday. (Craig Ruttle photo)

In Newport, Santa Claus will make a special delivery on Christmas Eve to three little girls younger than 5 years old, as part of the fire department's Beyond the Call program.

Firefighter and Local 45 secretary-treasurer Mike Volz started golf and bowling fund-raisers several years ago for children, said Local 45 President John Robinson. And a jolly retired firefighter, Jim Bonar, who is said to be tight with Santa, has been along for trips to children's homes.

Beyond the Call organizers worked closely with family resource centers at local elementary schools. Molly Wesley-Chevalier, coordinator of Family Services for Fourth Street Elementary, helps ensure the right families are chosen.

"We really try to think of the spirit, in addition to the need," she said. "It's just really fun for the family to get this sort of attention in the community."

This year, Wesley-Chevalier chose the family with the three girls - who know that Santa is real, she said. Their mother has been taking care of her own dying mother.

"We had her in mind, because she's not one who asks for more," Wesley-Chevalier said.

This year, the firefighters' outings raised $1,300.

Beyond the Call has helped 151 children of 37 families with more than $9,200 over the years, organizers said.

"To see those faces when we deliver toys; to walk into some of the homes that we walk into," Robinson said, "it's just unbelievable."