LAUREL HILL — North Okaloosa County boys and girls expect Santa Claus to visit their homes with lots of toys on Friday.
But before then, a number of Santa appearances will have been made in the Crestview and Laurel Hill areas.
For instance, Laurel Hill School elementary-grade students got a surprise visitor on their last day before Christmas break: Santa Claus himself popped by their rooms on Dec. 17.
The jolly old elf was actually junior Jacob Fullerton, a member of the school’s leadership program, who wore the costume and visited the kindergarten-through-12th-grade school’s younger students.
“He was just doing it on his own,” assistant principal Greg Brock said.
“I thought the little kids would like it,” Jacob said. “You know, bring them a little Christmas cheer.”
“Jacob’s one of our leadership kids,” assistant principal Jacqueline Craig said. “He’s always pitching in and helping out. That’s why I love this school.”
“You don’t get that sort of thing at other schools,” Brock said. “We’re one family here. That’s what’s neat about Laurel Hill School.”
Later that night, jolly old St. Nick appeared during Noel Night at the Crestview Public Library.
In addition, the Brotherhood of Love, a not-for-profit group of Crestview residents, expects a visit from Santa Claus sometime during its Christmas dinner and toy giveaway, which is scheduled for 1-4 p.m. Dec. 25 at Carver-Hill School Center, 398 School Ave., Crestview.
The group plans to distribute enough toys for 150 girls and 150 boys.
In the meantime, the organization needs these items to ensure a bountiful feast:
●Smoked meat
●Beef and pork roast
●10-pound leg quarters
●White and sweet potatoes
●Frozen butterbeans and frozen peas
●Collard greens
●Pickles
●Rice
●All seasonings, including Jamaican jerk spice
●Sodas and juices
●Desserts
●Paper plates, napkins and plastic cups, knives and forks
Drop off donations at 398 N. Spring St., Crestview, or call Elder Gary Johnson, BOL founder, at 229-379-1741.
Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes at brianh@crestviewbulletin.com, follow him on Twitter @cnbBrian or call 850-682-6524.
WHAT: Christmas dinner, toy giveaway and gospel talent show for 6- to 15-year-olds, with cash prizes and trophies
WHEN: 1-4 p.m. and 5:30-7:30 p.m., respectively, Dec. 25
WHERE: Carver-Hill School Center, 398 School Ave., Crestview
COST: Free
NOTES: Monetary, toy and food donations are still needed. Drop off donations at 398 N. Spring St., Crestview, or call Elder Gary Johnson, BOL founder, at 229-379-1741.
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This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: North Okaloosa County Santa Claus appearances reported, more expected