BY SARAH STEPHENS
PHOTOS BY SARAH STEPHENS AND AMANDA PEVEY – ELMORE AUTAUGA NEWS
SEE PHOTO GALLERY BELOW
Thursday night, the courtroom for the Millbrook Municipal complex was filled to the brim with old and young alike, hundreds of presents, beautiful decorations, and Santa Claus. But the prettiest sight to see will be the smiles on the faces of children as they open those presents Christmas morning.
Thanks to the Millbrook Police Department, the Punishers Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club Three Rivers Chapter, the American Legion Post 133, and many area churches and businesses, families in our area will have a Christmas to remember.
All attendees were invited to milk and cookies as well. Many of the children will be surprised with new bikes this year as well. It has become a thing, thanks to generous donations for the Operation Blue Santa program.
Over 150 area children were included this year. More money than ever in the history of Operation Blue Santa was raised to help area families.
Millbrook Police Chief P.K. Johnson welcomed the large crowd, and said he is incredibly blessed to serve in a community that has amazing giving spirits.
Pulling off this night is no easy task, and planning usually begins right after the current year’s event is over. Safe to say, all these wonderful men and women have earned a long Winter’s nap.
What started as a small group of police offices many years ago who would pitch in for specific families they knew needed help, has turned into a full production. The volunteers and officers said they receive much more than they give.
It includes untold hours of taking applications, fundraisers, shopping, donation drives, putting toys and bikes together, spaghetti dinners and so much more to make this night so very special.
All of it was done under the watchful eye Thursday of the International Blue Santa Claus, who is a bonified member of The Punishers LEMC. He visited with children, hearing their hopes and dreams. There were a lot of hugs and smiles.
Pastor Janet Krantz, of Robinson Springs Methodist Church of Millbrook, opened with a prayer that all the families assisted this year would be blessed in the coming year. They are off to a great start.
Merry Christmas to all! If you took part in any of the fundraisers, toy drives, dropped off a toy, or took any part at all, thank you. You may not see the smiles on Christmas morning. But you will know in your heart they are there. Spreading Joy is what Christmas is all about.
