Legion Kids Days brings smiles to faces of 530 kids

By By Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
A ride in a school bus to Sparkman Civic Center made a big difference in the lives of approximately 530 children of needy families Dec. 11. As participants in Hartselle‘s 63rd annual Kids Day, a humanitarian project sponsored by John F. Thompson American Legion Post 52 and its Auxiliary, they came with eager anticipation for a visit with Santa and left with gifts and big smiles on their faces.
The participants, from kindergarten to fifth grade, came from Hartselle’s three elementary schools in addition to Falkville, Cotaco, Eva, Danville-Neel and Sparkman. Each child received an age-appropriate, wrapped toy or game and a bag of fruit and candy.
Three buses were required to transport the 127 students who came from Falkville Elementary.
Don Collum, Post 52 commander, recalled that the first Kids Day was held in 1947 at the same time the Marine Corps started “Toys for Tots.” “It’s something we’ve been able to keep going because it served a good purpose and gets great support from throughout the community. “