DARRINGTON — The fire trucks sparkled with Christmas lights.

Volunteers dressed up as Santa, Mrs. Claus and their team of elves waved. People gathered as the procession passed by on the streets of downtown Darrington. Santa’s supply of candy canes dwindled as the food bank’s supply of donations grew.

The first Santa’s Can-to-Cane Exchange in Darrington on Dec. 20 brought in at least two pick-up trucks full of food for families in need.

It was a chance to celebrate unity, Mayor Dan Rankin said. Darrington always has been a tight-knit community, and that has been more evident than ever in recent years, after the deadly 2014 Oso mudslide, he said. Locals haven’t hesitated to come together and help each other.

“We’re not a wealthy community, but still this community comes out and really supports, as much as they can, the folks around them, their neighbors,” Rankin said.

Volunteers started the Can-to-Cane Exchange this year in hopes of making it an annual event. After the success of the first one, the colorful holiday food drive is expected to return next December.

The idea came from a new town employee. Two months ago, Kecia Nevegold came to Rankin with the idea for the Can-to-Cane Exchange. It’s based off of a similar event in the California town where Nevegold grew up.

“You know how we work in Darrington, if somebody has a great idea, we just move with it,” Rankin said.

Volunteers rallied quickly when they heard about the event. Support came from Darrington Fire District 24, the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office, Sauk-Suiattle Tribe, Darrington IGA, Charlie Duncan Photography, 4 Corners Cafe, the Darrington rodeo queen, North County Families Services, the town’s staff and leaders, and the food bank.

Fire trucks decked in Christmas lights escorted a truck and trailer that had been turned into a glittering float for Santa and Mrs. Claus. Christmas music played and snow piles dotted the edges of the streets. After the parade, people headed to 4 Corners Cafe for hot cocoa and conversation.

Two moments from the event stood out to Nevegold. The first was when a man stopped her in the street to tell her how much he appreciated the parade. He told her the town “really needed this.” The second thrill for Nevegold was arriving at 4 Corners Cafe after the procession.

“There were smiles, just smiles everywhere,” she said. “Seeing everybody in the restaurant having fun, that was my moment.”

Volunteers didn’t try to collect money or personal supplies during the event. They kept the focus on getting food for people who might otherwise spend the holidays hungry. They rounded up packs of ramen noodles, jars of baby food and peanut butter, boxes of pasta and stacks of orange and cherry Jell-O mix. This year’s rodeo queen, Allyson Knutzen, started collecting donations before the event. Among the donations she brought in were more than 2,000 pounds — a full ton — of potatoes.

“That’s a lot of french fries,” Nevegold said.

The parade route was about 1.2 miles. More neighborhoods might be added next year.

When the procession turned from Montague onto Darrington Street, Rankin saw families lined up to donate and watch. That’s when he knew the event would be a success, he said. His son later told him that he was impressed by how many people showed up.

“What a proud and giving community we live in,” Rankin said. “Just the generosity and support that this community has for their neighbors is always overwhelming for me.”

Nevegold wasn’t sure at first how they’d pull off the event with two months to put it all together. But as soon as she asked for help, people hurried to pitch in. They donated their time, supplies and talent. She thinks that Santa’s Can-to-Cane Exchange will grow in the years to come.

“Everyone wanted to be involved,” she said. “It’s a small community, and it’s something good for everybody to look forward to every year.”

Kari Bray: 425-339-3439; kbray@heraldnet.com.