‘Twas nine days before Christmas at the Harrison County Child Development Center

Santa and his wife were also busy today stopping by the Harrison County School District.

Years to come.- - santa - and his wife - were als- busy today - stopping by the- harrison county school district- news 25's toni miles takes us t- the harrison county child - development center in gulfport- where a 52 year annual- tradition and holiday give away- by the biloxi elks lodge is - still - going strong, although there's- been a change of venue - to the- school grounds - due to covid!- - 'twas nine days before- christmas, on these gulfport- school grounds, - when santa and mrs. claus - dropped in making early - holiday rounds... - <nats: mrs. claus: "are y'all - ready for santa?">- it's a christmas tradition each- year put on by the elks lodge - you see - - post 606 - you know, the one in- biloxi... - even though this year's event - unfolded at this different- scene.- eva stockstill, biloxi elks - lodge #606: "covid has taken a- toll.

Normally they - come to the lodge, and they sin- and dance for us at the lodge,- and we have - - lunch and breakfast and more fo- them.

This year however, we - couldn't do that due to - covid, so we wanted to bring th- christmas spirit to the kids- this year."

- <nats: elks photographer: "than- you!">- fifty-two years and it's still- going strong- - this year, even gulfport fire - fighters tagged along - - armed with so many gifts for th- kids -- they could barely carry them- all!- rebecca parker, principal,- harrison county child - development center: - "firefighters are always a big- help, and they do a lot for our- school in general, but- we were really glad they were - here today."- eva stockstill, biloxi elks - lodge #606: "each one of the- children gets a gift- from us each year.

We work all- year long to raise the money.

- santa makes sure that - every child, including the- teachers' and workers' children- gets a present."- - joy-filled, teachers and- students stood gladly in line -- some of them even carrying than- you signs!- rebecca parker, principal,- harrison county child - development center: - "they have presents for all of- them.

They're wonderful.

They d- - - such a nice job each year for - our kids, and we so appreciate- it."- principal rebecca parker was- also there, too - - reporting to santa all the good- little boys and girls at this - school!

- rebecca parker, principal,- harrison county child - development center: - "absolutely, we have the best - students here at the harrison - county child development- center."- special-made gifts tailor-made- for each kid -- thanks to year-round donations- to fulfill their wish lists!- <nats: "merry christmas!"

"tha y'all!"

Say bye!">- but as we all know, all good- things must come to an end -- no reindeer in sight, santa lef- with the elks instead!- eva stockstill, biloxi elks - lodge #606: "this is what the - true spirit of christmas and- elkdom is all about!"

- i also heard santa exclaim as - he dashed out of sight -- merry christmas to all - and- also from toni miles in gulfpor- at- news 25!-