Seated high atop brightly-decorated Gates Fire Department trucks, Santa Claus will make his traditional Yuletide trial run through area neighborhoods December 14 through 16.

But he won't be handing out any gifts. Instead Santa will be collecting canned goods and non-perishable goods for the needy.

Gates volunteer firefighters are using the popular event to drive home an important point about Christmas. "It's also a season of giving," said Dick Wachtman, a director of the Gates-Chili Fire Department.

During last year's "Santa Run," firefighters collected more than 14 barrels of canned goods. The generosity surprised even the volunteers.

"The residents of Gates and Chili have always demonstrated their willingness to help out, but we were amazed at how many people joined us in the effort last year," Wachtman said. "We're hoping that this year even more people will help fill Santa's sack with food."

Wachtman said the donated canned goods and non-perishable food items will again be given to FoodLink for the distribution to its network of area food cupboards. He said that during the three-day event -- December 14, 15 and 16 -- residents also can drop off canned goods at the Gates Fire Department Company One, located at 2335 Chili Avenue.

"This winter season, the high cost of heating bills will force families to stretch their dollars even farther than before," said Jaime Wemett, spokesperson for FoodLink. "The Gates Fire Department's Santa Run is a great way for the community to support their neighbors in need this holiday season."

Wemett said FoodLink distributed over six millions pounds of food in 1999.