Daytona Times
The magical moments of Christmas were reflected on local children’s faces during the recent 26th Holiday Gift-Giving event.
It was a party that the AACS (African American Cultural Society) members threw to favor smiles of holiday joy from kids in Flagler County.
It was delightfully festive with toys and a Christmas tree, hearth, poinsettias, glowing lights, in addition to door prizes.
The kids represented RCMA Head Start (Redlands Christian Migrant Association), the Family Life Center, Flagler Christmas Network, Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, and the community of Espanola.
“It is so good to see so many parents come and support so many young people,” said Edmund G. Pinto Jr., chairman of AACS’ Board of Directors.
“The young people here today are our future for tomorrow,” added the chairman. “And, I ask that you give a round of applause to the volunteers, who made this program possible.”
Gifts and songs
Those helping to gift-wrap and provide other essentials were Ann Bernard, Mamie Godfrey, Eileen Hopson, William Hopson, Elaine Koonce, Louisa Mackie-Drummond, Stephanie Robinson Matthews, Elvia Smith, Blanche Valentine and Janice Williams.
The members of the Gift-Giving Committee coordinating the event were Sharon Waring, chair; Annette Agard, June Bethel, Dora Campbell, Sondra Henderson, Hermione McLemore, Dorothy Nixon, Seconia Reid, Gloria Singleton and Jean Tanner.
The event included songs serenaded by young Aminah Taite-Headspeth, the RCMA kids, and kids from Espanola, in addition to Edwina Mezo Brown, who read, “Twas the Night Before Christmas.”
“Guess what happens?” interjected Sharon Waring.
“What?” the children answered.
“Santa’s going to give you a present,” Waring responded.
Mr. and Mrs. Claus showed out on parade, backed by the lyrics, “Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus right down Santa Claus Lane.”
Mr. and Mrs. Claus (Daniel and Ursula Isaac) took center stage, offering gifts of toys and lighting up the faces of the children.