Only in Corbett, does a chicken deliver Christmas Gifts!
Corbett Fire District; Corbett, Oregon Dec. 8, 2020
Corbett Fire District proudly announces that the world famous “Christmas Chicken” is getting ready to fly this December to deliver food, Christmas toys, and clothing to families in need of support.
This novel idea originated in the 1970s when Corbett firefighters wanted to deliver Christmas gifts to their own families. However when Nev Scott, wife of the Fire Chief, went to rent a Santa outfit she could not find a Santa outfit at the costume shop. Instead she chose a chicken, and this crazy tradition began.
Today, this weird but needed event continues.
The focus is now on families in need who live in the Corbett area. Currently two anonymous donors have donated matching grants of $500.00 each to the Corbett Firefighters Association. The Association is now trying to match these donations by placing firefighter boots at the Corbett Market (across from the Corbett Fire Station) and at Liz’s Coffee Cabin located at Lucas Rd and the Scenic Highway.
Other ways to help:
Additionally, donations can be sent to Corbett Fire District, POBox 1, Corbett, Oregon 97019. The Firefighters Association is asking the community to “fill the boot” and help to launch the Christmas Chicken on a needed flight. Last year the community was very generous in filling the boot and we assisted three families. However, Covid will not clip the Christmas Chicken’s wings with the support of the Corbett community. With forty year old frayed feathers the Christmas Chicken is willing to take on the challenge, posed by Covid, and assist some families in need.
Contact: Joe Fahlman-President of Corbett Firefighters Association – 503-348-2792
UPDATE/PRESS RELEASE
Best Buy Store Rescues Corbett Fire Department Christmas Chicken
Corbett, Oregon: Corbett, Oregon Dec. 14, 2020
Each year the Corbett Fire Department sends the Christmas Chicken into the community to deliver food, clothing and toys to a family in need of support. This weird event started in the 1970s when the fire department could not find a Santa outfit at the costume shop, instead they settled on a chicken outfit. Consequently, a weird tradition was started.
This year the committee of Corbett firefighters, who select the family and raise the money, faced the challenge of the Covid crisis. Additionally, the selected family had a unique and worrisome situation. One of the family’s children is ill and asked for a Playstation5. This not something the committee would do because of the expense, but it is a special case because the child can be entertained and stay in touch with his friends. The Corbett Firefighters found out that a PlayStation is almost impossible to buy. If available online they have a 50% markup. One of the firefighters, who worked at Best Buy at Cascade Station, discovered that Best Buy had a PlayStation5 in stock for $500.00.
Immediately, the Christmas Chicken, with credit card tucked under his wing, flew the nineteen miles to Cascade Station. Upon arrival he discovered that Best Buy manager wanted to DONATE the PlayStation5. Additionally, the Best Buy employees had passed the “firefighters boot” and collected enough money to purchase additional accessories for the brand new console, such as an extra controller, camera, and a new game. This added gift is worth approximately $700.00.
It is amazing how a forty year old chicken can fly nineteen miles, with frayed feathers, bent beak, can capture the Christmas spirit to assist a family in need. Best Buy and its employees rescued that spirit with their generosity. Corbett Fire and the Christmas Chicken says, a heartfelt thanks!
Contacts:
Tessie Adams-EMS Captain, Corbett Fire-971-219-3629
Kevin Flanagan…Best Buy 425-999-0500
