For the children of Pine Ridge Circle, instead of sleigh bells, Santa tends to rev his engine for the holidays.
With Christmas just days away, the Elizabethton Housing and Development Agency recently held their annual holiday celebration at the facility’s main office and were able to provide presents to several children throughout the day.
“This is my favorite day of the year,” EHDA Director Kelly Geagley said with a smile. “I just love it. All of our kids have a chance to have an early Christmas.”
Over the past 10 years, the Ghost Riders Motorcycle Club has taken the mantle to help provide Christmas to children throughout the housing agency. According to information provided by Geagley, the Ghost Riders have donated over $50,000 worth of toys, bicycles and winter clothes since they started assisting with the agency.
Thursday was the culmination of the Ghost Riders most successful fundraiser to donate. Over the course of the first two weekends in November, the group was able to raise $10,000 and $12,000 to be used for EHDA residents.
“When I first came here, we had a candy cane and we may of had one gift for each child,” Geagley explained. “Now with the Ghost Riders involved, every child will have around four or five presents, a coat and a toboggan. Our children get the Christmas they deserve and it is thanks to the Ghost Riders.”
Children and family members were treated to a Christmas lunch inside the conference room along with the playing of a Christmas movie.
And no holiday event would be complete without the appearance of Santa Claus. Children had the opportunity to visit Jolly Old Saint Nick and receive their presents gathered by Santa’s helpers donned in leather.
“It is such an incredible day,” Geagley said. “We are just so thankful for everyone that made this possible.”
Just hours before the party, representatives from Witten Huddle helped distribute hundreds of additional winter items to residents throughout the agency.