WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — For the last three years, Houston County first responders have surprised the community with "Santa visits," but they need your help to keep them going. Their goal -- to raise as many toys and donations for kids and families impacted by fires and other disasters.
For many children the magic of Christmas all starts with the big man in red with a white beard. Hailey Holder Allen got to meet Santa for the first time. She's a 4-year-old going through her third battle with stage IV cancer.
"Because Santa brings presents," said Hailey Holder Allen.
Of course, there's more to Old Saint Nick than just giving toys. His mere presence puts a smile on everyone's face.
"I mean, it's everything. When I became a mom, you have all these dreams and wishes and hopes for your baby and unfortunately a lot of things we haven't gotten to do because of cancer," Allen said.
Her mom Hailey Allen says this year on Christmas they won't have to be in the hospital.
"It's time that we get to spend together, not in the trenches of cancer," Hailey Allen said.
"And this Christmas, I won't have to go to chemo," said Hailey Holder
Houston County's Santa visits began in late November riding around neighborhoods each night. The visits started in 2020 due to COVID to help bring the magic of Santa back to the kids. Brendan Cox is the Santa in Houston County.
"The more support we get from the community and volunteers, the more families that we can help," Cox said.
The goal is to boost moral and spirit during the holidays. Then, on the day before Christmas Eve, December 23, they'll hand out gifts to a few families in need.
Each year, the number of families they've helped has grown.
"We would like to spark this in other communities other towns in middle Georgia," Cox said.
The fire department is asking for unwrapped new toys or any donations. If you're interested in helping you can contact Southern Santa of Houston County.