It’s the rematch of the century, and there can be only one winner — well, technically multiple winners: The children of Sedona’s working families, who will have a merrier Christmas. The Sedona Fire District faces off against the Sedona Police Department in the Clash of Christmas Heroes 2025 to see which team can raise the most money for Sedona Toys for Tots.
“Whoever raises the most will win, and I think they’re still deciding on what the penalty will be for the losing team,” local Toys for Tots coordinator Angela Thomas said. “But last year, when we did it, we raised about $5,000. We were amazed and shocked at how much money we were able to raise.”
SPD was the winner of the inaugural 2024 matchup, raising $2,990 to SFD’s $2,296, this year both agencies have the goal of each raising $4,000.
“Either way you donate is a good way,” SPD Cmdr. of Special Operations and Investigations Heather Penner said. “But anytime that we can win a ‘stuff the bus’ competition or a softball game against fire, we’ll take it.”
People should donate through SFD’s link because it will “benefit the children of this town. All the money raised is going for Toys for Tots, and it stays within the Sedona area,” Deputy Fire Marshal Kirk Riddell said.
The SFD is also helping with local holiday events for children in the program.
“This year, [SFD] will be participating in the Bike for Tikes event at West Sedona School,” Riddell said. “Our crew will set up a road course for kids, so when they get their bikes, we can give them tips on riding safely, stopping, and making sure they’re ready for the road.”
Stuff the Bus
SPD and SFD will also be on hand to help administer the city of Sedona’s annual Stuff the Bus event on Monday, Dec. 8, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Posse Grounds Pavilion with the goal of having residents drop off new and unwrapped toys for newborns up to teens to fill a Sedona Connect Shuttle.
“Examples of acceptable gifts include new and unwrapped games, stuffed animals, sporting equipment, books, playdough and hand-held electronics,” the city of Sedona stated. “No food or clothing items will be accepted.”
Toys geared for children 6 to 8 are most in need, according to Thomas. To donate in the name of the department of your choice before Sunday, Dec. 23, visit: Sedona Fire District at tinyurl.com/tft25fire or Sedona Police Dept at tinyurl.com/tft25police.
“The real winners will be the children in our town,” Thomas wrote. “You will be giving Christmas hope to those who need it most.”
