Retired Moore firefighter Charles Mosley wanted to help underprivileged children in Moore have a happier Christmas, so he collected toys and gifts and began the Moore Fire Department's Santa Express.

The tradition has lasted 30 years because of "his heart for the kids," said Moore firefighter Capt. Robert Crain.

The firefighters make donations and collect donations from businesses, both monetary and gifts. One hundred percent of the money will go to the children and will be used to buy specific gifts.

"This year we are reaching out to the community," Crain said.

Once the donations are collected, the firefighters deliver the gifts to the children in a fire truck.

"School counselors are our contact persons in the community," Crain said. "They are the most qualified because they work very closely with the kids."

Boxes have been placed at businesses around Old Town and some of the stores off the beaten path will have donation boxes, Crain said.

"We typically have around 250 kids," Crain said. "But this year with the economy the way it is we expect the number to be higher and we are hoping we have the means to meet that need."

Monetary donations may be made online via PayPal or checks made payable to Santa Express may be mailed to Moore Santa Express, 115 E. Main St., Moore OK 73160.

They also may be taken to the Farmer's Market, 105 E. Main St. 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 4, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 5 or to any Moore fire station, Dec. 6 to 20.

For more information or to make a donation online, visit www.mooresantaexpress.com.

The five Oklahoma City metro area Allegiance Credit Unions have adopted three families for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Employees will provide Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas dinner and gifts for the families.

The credit union at 12200 S. Western Ave. has adopted a Moore family and is raising funds this week and are collecting money, gifts and services.

"We have a photographer that has donated a portrait package for them and a gym may donate a family membership," said Kerri Campbell, Allegiance Credit Union. "There are 19 children between the three families."

Money donations will be collected this week to buy the Thanksgiving dinner and gifts for the children and two parents will be accepted, Campbell said.