Santa Claus has once again teamed up with Essex Fire Engine Co. #1 to bring the spirit of Christmas to all three villages of Essex.

A drive-by visit from Santa, who will be aboard an Essex Fire Truck, will take place for citizens in Ivoryton and Centerbrook on Friday, Dec. 18. A visit for those residing in Centerbrook and Essex Village is available on Saturday, Dec. 19.

“We’re trying to do everything we can to bring everyone a little bit of joy,” said Fire Chief Aron Schumacher.

In addition to a brightly lit fire truck and a wave from Santa, the fire department is making the rounds to collect food donations to benefit the Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries (SSKP). Donations can be dropped off at Fire Department Headquarters, 11 Saybrook Road, on Dec. 18 or 19. They can also be left curbside for contactless pick-up during the drive by.

The visits to individual houses, which will take place from 5 to 9 p.m., are available to any resident that completes an online signup, which is available at essexct.gov.

This is the second year that the fire department and Santa have made a special tour of town during the holiday season to benefit SSKP.

Last year, they visited approximately 75 houses and close to “a couple hundred pounds of food” were collected, according to Schumacher.

“The food needs have only grown from last year to this year,” said Schumacher.

SSKP Executive Director Amy Hollis said that the economic impact of COVID-19 on individuals and families have continued to result in increased food needs this holiday season.

“The week prior to Thanksgiving, we saw record numbers at our pantries. So, the need continues to be there,” said Hollis.

SSKP’s five food pantries, which offer curb-side pick-up of groceries, were visited by 1,200 families the week prior to Thanksgiving. Approximately 52,000 pounds of food were distributed, according to Hollis.

SSKP obtains 37 percent of its food from the Connecticut and Gemma Moran food banks. The remaining 63 percent is obtained from donations of food and food purchased from area wholesalers and food banks.

The organization’s connection with “the wider community” with events such as essex’s fire truck visits “makes a difference from multiple fronts,” said Hollis.

They include letting people who need food know that it is available and letting people know that there is a need for donations from the community, she said.

“I’m also very excited that they are doing this, just for the goodwill,” she said. “To bring Santa around to the community brings a smile to one’s face. So, I am grateful for their efforts to strengthen our communities and help ensure everyone has food.”

Schumacher acknowledges that the event is aimed at bringing cheer to the families of Essex.

“Hopefully we can get some people fed and have some enjoyment for the kids all at the same time,” he said.

Although leading health experts have reported that Santa is immune from COVID-19, the fire department asks that individuals remain at least 30 feet from the fire truck during a visit to maintain appropriate social distancing.

“Santa will just have to wave from the truck this year and won’t be able to get out,” said Schumacher.

Details on Santa’s arrival on Dec. 18 or 19 will be available on www.facebook.com/essexctfire.