Some of Santa's helpers are trading in their shelf for a fire truck.

The principal and assistant principal of Tangier Smith Elementary in Shirley welcomed students into the building Monday dressed as elves on top of a fire truck.

They did it with some help from the Mastic Beach Fire Department.

"It's all about building a sense of community here,” said Principal Dominic Cilotta. “We have a wonderful community in William Floyd. We want to get our kids…excited about learning."

This is the second year the principal and assistant principal are dressing up.