The Belle Community Betterment Association (BCBA) hosted a successful “Drive Thru Christmas” event Saturday, December 19, 2020 at the Belle City Park.
78 cars drove through to meet Santa (Josh Seaver) and Mrs. Claus (Sadie Mosher) as they handed out goodie bags with fruit and candy. Before meeting Santa, children could drop their letters off with Santa’s helper, Brenda Leigh Guffey, in his letter net. Over 60 letters were taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus back to the North Pole.
Members of the BCBA handed out 183 goodie bags to excited kiddos, with some families driving from as far as Freeburg to meet Santa. Legends Bank, the Maries County Bank, Mid America Bank, and Mace Supermarkets provided various donations for the goodie bags.
Before leaving the park, children were charmed by the Grinch himself, along with Cindy Lou Who and other special guests, who handed out toys. Toys were provided by the Ya Ya’s of Belle.
“It was a great day,” said member Sundi Jo Graham. We had no idea what to expect. We originally bagged up 150 goodie bags, but a couple volunteers had to run to the store to get more candy. We certainly didn’t want any kids leaving disappointed.”
The BCBA is planning to continue the Christmas spirit next year, but plans are still underway as to what that will look like.