Andrews – During this time of year, Susie Bryant is usually working with other organizers of Andrews Cruise Night for the Kids finalizing plans for the group’s annual Christmas Party.
However, last month the group decided it was best not to have the party due to COVID-19 restrictions.
“It’s heartbreaking,” said Bryant, who’s hoping they can provide the party again next year.
This wasn’t the only blow to the organization this year. Cruise Night fundraising events could not take place in 2020 because of the restrictions due to the pandemic, and one of their own passed away in August.
Russell Newton had been with the group since they first started providing Christmas to local children in 2007.
“He had a heart of gold for kids,” Bryant said. “He loved them to death.”
She said Newton was one person she could always count on to help, whether it was helping people park their cars on Cruise Night or grilling hot dogs for the Christmas Party. Newton’s final gift to the community was his family’s request that donations be made to Cruise Night for the Kids in lieu of flowers for his funeral.
The group honored him during the Magic on Main Electric Christmas Parade on Nov. 28, letting his white Mustang lead cars representing Cruise Night. They wanted to show everyone how much they appreciated him, hoping that honoring him would help them all have peace of mind. Bryant said the group is like family, and they’ve had a hard time emotionally dealing with the loss of Newton.
The group started as Police Pals, collecting forms from families and delivering toys to their homes. A little over five years ago, they decided to hold a party that included all kids, giving them an opportunity to visit Santa Claus in Andrews.
They would still pick one deserving family to deliver toys and a meal to each year. This year, because there will not be a party, they planned on finding a few deserving families and leaving the items on their porch for contactless delivery.
Party takes break for COVID
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