CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – Santa arrived early, bringing joy to children this Christmas. The 43rd annual Christmas event, hosted by J.P. Hall Children Charities, provided thousands of toys and bikes to families in Clay County, creating an unforgettable holiday experience on Saturday.
The event was from 9 a.m. to noon at the Clay County Agricultural Fairgrounds.
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Around 45 Clay County Sheriff’s Office volunteers assisted with the toy drive.
This year’s event collected 6,500 donations, distributed 900 bicycles, and welcomed 429 cars, making Christmas especially meaningful for families facing financial hardship.
“Thank you to all the volunteers and donors who supported us. We are so happy to bring Christmas to so many kids,” Matt Steinmetz said.
The event was open to all residents of Clay County, including children from infants up to 14 years old, and provided them with several new toys, according to a release from the CCSO.
According to the J.P. Hall Children’s Charities website, “John P. Hall, Sr. is most widely known for his service as sheriff of Clay County. He was first elected in 1928 and served until his retirement in 1965, a State of Florida record 37 years. The Charities was founded in the late 1970s by his son, J. P. Hall, Jr., who incorporated the Charities in 1981 and named it in honor of his father, who was known for helping underprivileged children in Clay County.”
J.P. Hall Children’s Charities is a nonprofit organization.
If you want to donate, please click here for more information.