Santa Claus made an early stop in Eatonton Dec. 3, as the special guest for the Mothers Against Crime (MAC) Christmas party at the Putnam County Recreation Center.
Every child between 4-18 years old received a Christmas gift from Santa.
Organized by local activist and MAC co-founder Georgia Benjamin-Smith, the event also featured a “free yard sale,” storytelling, musical chairs, balloon animals and inspirational messages delivered by several speakers to about 50 children and their parents or guardians.
“It’s so nice to see everyone here. I always like to see everyone in our community get together to share a special time and let our young people know we all care about them and love them,” Benjamin-Smith said.
Representatives from the Eatonton Police Department, including Chief Howell Cardwell, were on hand, as well as members of both the Eatonton Fire Department and the Putnam County Fire Department, with each having booths set up with informational handouts and small gifts for the kids.
“We were talking about when we all grew up, how the police were not very approachable and about how times change and this change is for the better,” Cardwell said.
“This kind of thing is a good opportunity for us to get out and meet the public. Unfortunately, we meet them sometimes in some bad situations, so this is the best. This is a good way to connect with people, with kids, and get to know each other.”
Working the booth for the Eatonton Police were officers Tonya Thomas and Tammi Towles.
“This is a great way to be able to give back to the kids, to give back to the community, to show them that we support y’all and we want y’all in return to support us,” Thomas said.
“It’s just something that’s good for this community and it’s all about bringing people together.”
Inside the Rec Center’s main basketball gym, Mothers Against Crime volunteers organized donated clothes, shoes and basic household goods stacked high on tables stretching 50-plus feet across the floor. At the end of the event, visitors were treated to a lunch of hot dogs, bagged chips and soft drinks.
“I’m happy with the turnout,” Benjamin-Smith said. “All these good people coming together, how could I not be? I always say the people of Eatonton and Putnam County are the best.
They’re a big part of what makes this the best place to live in this world. We’re blessed.”