Andrews – Families gathered at the Andrews Community Center to visit Santa, eat a meal and for their children to get their first gifts Saturday night at the annual Cruise Night for the Kids Christmas Party.
“This is what Christmas is all about,” said Susie Bryant, one of the organizers. “It gets you in the Christmas spirit.”
Amy Rattler brought her kids to the event to see Santa.
“It’s always a good community event,” Rattler said. “It’s usually the only place we get to see Santa.”
Each child was able to pick out a toy from the prize table as they entered the room. When visiting Santa and Mrs. Claus on the stage, each child also got a goody bag, including a hat and gloves.
Everyone got to enjoy a hot dog meal with chips and drink. There was enough food to feed 400 people, with leftovers given to Valley View Care & Rehabilitation Center and the Cherokee County Food Bank. About 250 people enjoyed the festivities.
Two car shows during the year fund the event, which is the organization’s main project. The organization also received toy donations from Barbara El-Khouri, Jonathan Ellison, Sharon Freeman, Anthony El-Khouri and Andrews Lions Club members. Clifford Painter donated six hams, for which there were drawings every 30 minutes.
Families were also entertained throughout the evening by the Cochran Family band, with members from Flowery Branch, Ga., and Polk County, N.C.
Cruise Night for the Kids, formerly Police Pals, used to collect forms and deliver toys to children at their homes. However, the group decided about five years ago that they should hold an event that includes everyone.
Cruising to a great Christmas
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