By By Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
More than 550 children of needy families received wrapped Christmas gifts and bags of fruit and candy at the 61st annual Hartselle Kids Day Program on Dec. 9, at Sparkman Civic Center.
Sponsored by the John F. Thompson American Legion Post 52, the event reached students from kindergarten through fifth grade at Hartselle’s three elementary schools, F.E. Burleson, Crestline and Barkley Bridge, as well as Danville-Neel, Falkville, Sparkman, Cotaco, Eva, Ryan and Lacey’s Spring. The program was conducted in two sessions: 9 – 10 a.m. for Hartselle students and 10 – noon for other students whose schools didn’t open until 10 a.m. because of
inclement weather.
Post Commander John Paul Johnson said the number of students participating increased from about 450 last
year to more than 550 this year. He attributed the increased demand to the economic downfall, which led to the current recession.
clothing and shelter,” he said. “There’s simply not as much money available for Christmas gifts for their children.”
Johnson said participants received an additional gift this year thanks to the generosity of
Volunteers of America. Each child received a gender specific educational notebook with writing and art supplies.
The event is fun for the volunteers, too.
Other Kids Day volunteers included Hazel Tankersley, Libby Jeffreys, Judy Dunn, Joyce Krigbaum, Donna Collum, Charlie Black, Patrick Morrow, Jimmy Morrow, Nancy Train, Jo Jo Smith and Stacey McCormick.