Times Observer photo by Brian Ferry Drive-by birthdays are becoming all the craze during the coronavirus pandemic. The Glade Volunteer Fire Department is taking requests and singing songs.

Birthdays under social distancing rules can be pretty lonely.

The crew at Glade Volunteer Fire Department has devised a way to brighten them up.

“I was reading an article about a fire department in Phoenixville (Chester County) who was riding around singing happy birthday to children in their area who could not celebrate their birthdays with their friends because of COVID-19,” Glade Swiftwater Rescue Captain Erik Krantz said.

He went to Chief Shane Jones. “Chief, we gotta set this up,” he said. “This is so awesome.”

Firefighters and department members will tour the township on Saturday, April 25, in a fire engine and brush truck with boats.

“We will visit children and sing them Happy Birthday from our fire apparatus, and put on a good sound and light show,” Krantz said.

But, they need some children to sing to.

“We will be taking personalized visit requests to people in Glade Township,” Krantz said. “Contact us on our Facebook page or email president@gladefire.com with your child’s name, age they are turning, and your address. We will contact you back with a time we will be there.”

“We have had several requests from outside our township,” Krantz said. “Unfortunately, we have to stay in our service area, Glade Township, for personalized visits.

Some stops are already set up and anyone can enjoy, as long as they maintain appropriate social distancing.

“We will be doing a few group spots — 9 a.m. Glade Township Building, 9:30 Conewango/Holly Street Apartments, 10 Glade Manor Entrance Area, 10:30 area of Jennie Lane,” he said.

“We ask that any visits we do, please remain on your porch, for your safety as well as ours,” Krantz said. “And for our group meets that you either remain in your vehicle, or if you are walking, please maintain a 10 foot distance from your neighbors, and encourage you to wear a mask. At the group spots, any are welcome.”

“As a department, we are very excited about this, and want to bring some smiles, fun, and joy to our community during this difficult time,” Krantz said. “It is hard on everyone, especially children who are not able to visit their friends and family. We want to come visit you for your birthday.”