THE HOLIDAY season is a time of giving, sharing, and coming together as a community. The unifying Santa Comes to Town event in historic downtown Winchester strengthens this sentiment.
At the forefront of this tradition stands the Kiwanis Club of Franklin County, which has taken on Santa Comes to Town as one of its leading community events. Over the years, the Kiwanis Club of Franklin County skillfully adapted to meet the community’s evolving needs while remaining steadfast in its commitment to its core mission.
Santa Comes to Town, while expanding its reach, continues to focus on bringing holiday joy to those who might need it the most.
Kiwanis member and project manager Sue Fulmer said, “Everybody has their part in it. It’s the event that we look most forward to.”
Initially, in a collaborative effort between the city and the Kiwanis Club, Santa Comes to Town took on a new dimension when Kiwanis partnered with the Winchester Downtown Program.
This partnership breathed fresh life into the event, transforming it into an emblem of community spirit and support. Santa Comes to Town is not just about festive celebrations; it’s a resounding affirmation that the spirit of giving transcends all ages and backgrounds.
An essential element of Santa Comes to Town is its consistent focus on inclusivity. While the event is open to all, it mainly targets low-income families, ensuring that children who may not have the privilege of receiving gifts get to experience the joy of the holiday season.
The event featured a bike giveaway in previous years, but the organizers recognized that some children might not require another bike so soon. Thus, the event evolved into a unique “Santa’s Workshop” concept, where children select their preferred toys, an idea that resonated deeply with the community.
The Santa Comes to Town event has grown over the years, thanks to the support of the community and various organizations. Fulmer expressed the collaborative nature of Santa Comes to Town, mentioning that it’s not just Kiwanis but a collective effort. The A.M. Rotary Club, another community-driven organization, hosts a free pancake breakfast during the event, Kiwanis serves chili and hot dogs for lunch, and local groups contribute crafts and activities for the children.
Fulmer fondly recalled life-changing stories from past events, such as a mother telling her children to savor the free meal because it would be their only one for the day. This instance accentuates the event’s significance, as it provides gifts and much-needed nourishment. The event is a safe haven for those who want to create lasting memories for their families.
“It’s things like that that motivate us to want to give back as much as we can. It just makes us ecstatic to see the smiles on the kids’ faces when they get to pick out a toy that they probably wouldn’t have ever gotten,” Fulmer said.
Volunteers gather, children’s faces light up, and the event unfolds, rain or shine.
Franklin County’s uniqueness is found in its generous communities, always ready to help those in need and create a positive atmosphere.
Countless volunteers and supporters work tirelessly to ensure that this event remains a gratifying tradition that enriches lives and nurtures the true spirit of the holidays.
“Christmas should be all year long because it’s the giving time of the year, and we always need to be in the giving mindset,” she added.
Santa Comes to Town serves as an inspiration to us all, reminding us that the joy of giving knows no boundaries and that the true magic of the season lies in unity and kindness.
Fulmer’s closing thoughts encapsulated the essence of Santa Comes to Town: “Christmas is an exciting time of year with all the decorations, music, and events. Kiwanians love the opportunity to provide a free community event for families that may not be able to take pictures with Santa, do crafts, or receive a new toy.”
She continued, “We are as excited as the kids for the event. That’s what it’s all about – providing opportunities for underprivileged kids. It’s open to everybody. And we’ve had some prominent people come in and bring their kids. Christmas is just an exciting time of year.”
As Santa Comes to Town continues to light up the hearts of the Franklin County community, it serves as a reminder that the true magic of the holiday season lies in the generosity, compassion, and unity that come from within. GN
