A joyful smile shows on the face of this little boy as he receives a gift from Santa on Kids Day on Friday. | Clif Knight

More than 300 kids of needy parents were greeted by Santa and received individually wrapped gifts and bags of fruit and candy at the 66th Annual American Legion Post 52 Kids Day Program at Sparkman Civic Center in Hartselle on Fri., Dec. 14.

Elementary students from Falkville, Eva, Danville and Sparkman participated in the fun-filled event.

“It’s pure magic,” said Lynne Alexander, counselor at Eva School. “The kids are delighted to see Santa and receive gifts from him.”

“I love it,” added Greg Jones, a volunteer. “People take so much for granted. “These kids are just thankful to be here, see Santa and receive a gift.”

“It takes a lot of work but we’re proud we’re able to do it,” said Don Collum, Post 52 commander. “As long as we’re able we’re going to continue to have a Kids Day.

Collum said proceeds from Bingo night provide most of the funding for the project.

Legion Post 52 also makes fruit baskets and takes then to residents of Falkville Healthcare and Falkville Nursing Home at Christmastime.