JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – With 3,000 gifts in tow, Santa and the Mrs., along with of course their Christmas elves, made their way in a makeshift sleigh down the streets of Oceanway.
“We have a lot of great toys for you today,” Santa exclaimed at the first stop.
Some of those with outstretched hands included Nina Cavanaugh’s grandchildren. The littlest one with the biggest blue eyes is Miracle. On her very first birthday, Miracle got a Christmas miracle in the form of Santa Claus.
"Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday,” Santa said as he grabbed the baby in his arms.
"It's great that they do this. I know there are a lot of kids out here excited about it,” said Cavanaugh.
That showed with every stop they made. Families lined the streets on Christmas Eve to welcome the Zone 6 Christmas Parade and the off-duty JSO officers who made it all possible. For the last four years, they’ve volunteered their time on Christmas Eve to distribute toys to local families in need.
"It means so much,” Santa said, “And I know it means something to every one of these employees here."
A little Christmas cheer just before the big day.
"It just gives them something to jazz them up tonight, so they can go to bed early and be ready for tomorrow,” Cavanaugh said.
All of the gifts distributed during the parade were donated by local families and area businesses.
