PRESS PHOTOS BY BILL LEINER JR. Santa and Joey take a moment at Allen Township Fire Company No. 1, 3530 Howertown Road, before embarking on the ride through the township. The fire department's annual Operation Santa was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting volunteers to plan an event that allowed Santa to greet township families from a safe distance.

Santa Claus and his top toy-making elf, Joey, get into Allen Township's Gator utility vehicle before heading out Dec. 13 to wave to children. After entering the Gator, Santa quipped, “Can this thing fly?”