BY SARAH STEPHENS AND AMANDY PEVEY
PHOTOS BY AMANDA PEVEY
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
Saturday morning lines formed early and around 400 people took part in the Breakfast with Santa event at the Front Porch Grill in Millbrook.
Owner Marty Bean said it is the biggest crowd in his memory. Customers were encouraged to bring a new/ unwrapped toy to help with the Millbrook Police Department Operation Blue Santa. The restaurant is set up as a drop off for those toys. Over the past couple of weeks, Bean said five boxes have been filled with toys and delivered to the police department. On Saturday another one was filled as well. Participants were also able to visit with Mrs. Claus, the Grint and Cindy Lou Who.
Though very busy and crowded, the morning went off with no issues.
However, later in the day after the huge crowds had left, a driver of a vehicle lost control and drove into the front porch. There were no reported injuries, and the damage to the business was minimal. Beans said that all things considered, God was still offering blessings. Had the incident occurred three hours earlier, it could have been a very different story.
Now through Dec. 17, you can still drop off new and unwrapped toys to various locations throughout Millbrook including the Front Porch Grill, the American Legion Post 133 and the lobby of the Millbrook Police Department.
Those toys, along with others that have been collected/purchased, will be distributed to area children and families in need. The toys are for kids 15 and under.
Each year various agencies take part in this cause, including the American Legion Post 133, multiple churches, schools, Civic groups and the Punishers LEMC Three Rivers Chapter. The hope is to make Christmas merry and bright for kids that may not otherwise have a Christmas present under the tree.
The program was started by Lt. Don Pugh with the Millbrook Police Department. Over the years, thousands of children throughout the area have received presents. It is now done through an application process, and the deadline for the applications has ended.
On Dec. 17 from 6-8 p.m. the Punishers LEMC Three Rivers Chapter will host Milk, Cookies and Hot Chocolate with a Blue Santa event in the Municipal Courtroom on Grandview Road. The public is welcome to attend and bring the kids for to enjoy snacks with Santa. The Elmore/Autauga News will be there to take plenty of photos! This is a FREE event for the community.
