Thanks to the public's generosity earlier this year during the annual Team Up for Kids Boot Drive sponsored by the Whitfield County Fire Department and the Shriners, enough money was donated to provide a very special Christmas for 24 students chosen by the county school system.
Known as Santa in Uniform, the event started on the morning of Dec. 21 with an exciting ride for the children in a school bus to Walnut Square Mall, accompanied by flashing lights and sirens of the fire trucks. Once there, all the kids had complimentary photos taken with Santa Claus, including one boy who said he was sitting in St. Nick’s lap for the first time ever.
Then it was off to the Walnut Avenue Walmart store, where each child, escorted by either a firefighter or a sheriff’s deputy, was able to pick out approximately $125 worth of clothes and toys. (The firefighters donated $100, and Walmart kicked in a 25 percent discount.)
The students, who were also accompanied by several counselors from the county school system, had to buy at least one outfit or a pair of shoes before spending the rest on whatever the child wanted.
Haley Tatham chose a red Santa dress. A fifth-grader at Dawnville Elementary, she said shopping with firefighter Joey Splawn was fun.
“It’s great to be able to help kids who were unable to get what they want for Christmas or anything at all,” Mr. Splawn said. “This is awesome. Being a firefighter is more than just fighting fires. It’s getting out and helping the community, whether it’s adults or children.”
Walmart manager Rick Bartlett had several store employees helping make sure the day went off great for the kids, who also received juice and sweet treats courtesy of the store.
“We appreciate what they do – they are awesome,” Mr. Bartlett said of the firefighters. “In addition to taking care of our community they take care of our kids, and that’s great.”
After checking out at a dedicated register, it was back to Station 8, where the kids enjoyed slices of pizza and chocolate chip cookie before the festivities came to a big close outside the station with each child receiving a bike courtesy of the Shriners.
Engineer Jesse Bond, who helped organize the inaugural event, said Santa in Uniform gave everyone a “good feeling.”
“It’s fun for all the personnel and kids involved,” he said. “Everyone really seems to enjoy getting out and making Christmas special for these children.”