For the third year in a row we joined the Krewe of SWAT and The Zimmern Team at a Christmas Extravaganza for the Brentwood Elementary Bear Cubs. Each year community partners come together to adopt the entire school for Christmas~ 420 Students & 62 Faculty.
Every child comes through a lineup of SWAT Santa Stations filled with essentials, toys, treats, blankets, socks, snacks, books, crayons and more that have all been donated by local businesses in our community. For example, The Farm donates oranges and apples to be dropped in the students goodie bags.
Well-loved characters like Buddy the Elf, Santa Claus and Mrs Claus, The Grinch and the Gingerbread man deliver Christmas joy with hugs, dance parties and photo opportunities for all the students. DJ Salty was spinning the Christmas tunes and a snow machine that truly turned the gymnasium into a Winter Wonderland. The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office were also in attendance with service dogs and horses for the students to meet and pet.
Tonya Zimmern was once a student at Brentwood Elementary School and now this is an event she looks forward to every year.
”It’s all about the kids. This has become my favorite day of the year because of the joy we get to deliver to children who might not have any otherwise,” said Tonya. “It’s a full circle moment for me and seeing the faces of these kids when they walk into the gymnasium is priceless. It’s what this season is all about.”
Brentwood Elementary is a low income school says they have dozens of students who are homeless.
This day becomes more and more magical every year and it’s an honor to spend the day with the hardworking, wonderful students and faculty at Brentwood Elementary School. Merry Christmas Bear Cubs! Watch the heartwarming video from the day below.
