Special Kids Get Christmas Surprise

The is on break for the holidays through Jan. 8, but during the last day of classes Dec. 16, some of the district’s special kids were sent home with Christmas gifts in hand.

Special needs children and Head Start kids at , and received gifts from Santa and Mrs. Claus Friday compliments of and the women’s auxiliary at

In total 174 gifts were purchased for the children by Hickman, although he said the Elks Lodge women also pitched in.

“It’s just my way of making kids happy at Christmas. They touch my heart,” Hickman said as he watched over a group of special needs kids Friday at William Collier Elementary.

Hickman and his band of merry helpers, which included dressed as Santa and Tim Fleming as his assistant, visited the four school sites beginning Friday morning through noon that day.

“It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it,” Hickman said, noting that preparation for the gift giveaway starts about four weeks prior to Christmas. “I couldn’t do it without the Elks ladies.”

In addition to the gifts, the kids each received a certificate donated by for a free gallon of milk. Knight, who owns the was also giving out free bowling passes.

Toys that were not handed out Friday are being donated to the nonprofit , Hickman said.