Large Crowd Enjoys Christmas Program

The recreation department on the Baxley Highway was home to the first drive-in Christmas program Sunday.
David and Gail Miller of Because He Lives have hosted a Christmas program for children in the area for the past 13 years. This year, the Millers were faced with the challenge brought on by the Coronavirus and had to determine how to safely have the program. The program had to be outside and had to include the true Christmas story. With the aid of technology and lots of volunteers, the program was a great success.
A group of teens representing various churches acted out the first Christmas while the children and their parents watched and listened through their radios. Beverly Miller directed the performance on a flat bed semi trailer owned by Jim Girtman serving as the stage.
After the performance, the cars lined up and drove by the Farmers Market shelter. Volunteers loaded the large bags of gifts, refreshments, and candy into the vehicles while Jimmy Ryles and others sang Christmas carols. Two programs were necessary to serve the families registered. A total of 323 children were served in one afternoon. Everyone was safe. And everyone enjoyed the program.
The Millers expressed their appreciation to the many volunteers, generous donations, and prayers that made the program a success. A special thanks to the Hazlehurst/Jeff Davis Fire Rescue led by Chief Charles Wasdin for handling the traffic flow.