Because of pandemic precautions, there wasn’t the same level of hustle and bustle, but the interactions and smiles shared between officers, firefighters, and students were brighter than ever.
“This is one of our favorite events of the entire year and we knew we had to find a way to make it happen,” said Hendersonville Police Lt. Mike Vesely. “Bringing 65 kids and dozens of first responders together in one place wasn’t an option this year, so our School Resource Officers helped students with their online shopping spree at their respective schools.”
Every year five students from each of the thirteen Henderson County Public Schools (HCPS) are selected to participate. Instead of being bussed to the Hendersonville Wal-Mart, the students met their SRO, along with another first responder hero, in the school’s media center or computer lab. With the help of the heroes, the students spent a $100 gift card in Wal-Mart’s online store. The purchases will be delivered to their ho
Stephen Kindland, Times-News correspondent
MILLS RIVER – Santa Claus came to town Saturday, bringing smiles to the faces of people of all ages as he rode atop a Mills River Fire and Rescue truck on a tour through neighborhoods that lasted seven hours.
The special event was planned and coordinated by Mills River Town Manager Daniel Cobb and town Parks and Recreation Director Nicole Sweat to help lift the spirits of residents who have endured the strains of the COVID-19 pandemic for the past 10 months.
“It’s been a challenging year,” Cobb said. “A lot of places are not able to have their typical winter festivals or come-out-and-meet-Santa type of events. We thought it would just be something fun for the community to show that Mills River cares and Mills River wants to spread a little bit of joy and cheer throughout town.”