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Christmas will be a little brighter for some of the children in Charlotte County this year. 

The Charlotte County Christmas Parents held its annual toy distribution on Sunday, Dec. 9, at Randolph-Henry High School (R-H). 

As part of the toy destruction, parents and guardians of children could come and shop for toys at no cost to provide something under the Christmas tree that might not otherwise be possible. 

“They say a picture is worth a thousand words,” Erin Davis, R-H principal, said in a Facebook post. “I could tell you what this looks like, but you really need to see it to believe it. I am blessed to witness this program in action as the Charlotte County Christmas Parents set up their operation in our gym. This group of dedicated individuals has fundraised tirelessly and rallied members of the community together to bring Christmas to well over 300 children.”

The organization was able to make the event possible through toy and monetary donations from both individuals and businesses throughout the year. 

“On behalf of the team, we would like to thank each person who gave in anyway. Whether it be in money, toys, blankets, bikes, time, prayer, or whatever it may have been to make this 2023 Christmas Parents Year the best. With your donations, we were able to help about 313 children this year.” The organization posted on its social media page.

Over the years, the organization, run entirely by volunteers, has provided toys and even clothes for hundreds of children who would not otherwise have anything under the Christmas tree.

At one time, the Charlotte County Christmas Parents served seven counties. 

They have been in operation for over 20 years.