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A Charlie Brown Christmas: Angels Helping Others
December 19, 2009
In the children’s television show, Charlie Brown’s Christmas tree was, to put it kindly, sad. But thanks to Charlie Brown, Snoopy and friends — including angels from Atmore — Christmas will be better for more than dozen area families.
It was a cold night on December 5th when, for the second night in a row, the Creek Indian Enterprises Development Authority (CIEDA), loaded their Christmas float with candy and beads and set out intent on winning first place. On the previous night, they had succeeded in placing first in the 2009 Poarch Creek Indian Parade. Now they had their sights set on winning the top prize in the 2009 Atmore Christmas Parade.
Dressed in a multitude of layers as they set out in the bitter night air, they had no idea that they would end up warming the hearts of the less fortunate in the community. Their float was based upon “Snoopy the Musical” and included larger than life character renditions of Charlie Brown, Lucy, Snoopy, Pig Pen, Schroeder, Marcie, Sally, Peppermint Patty and Linus.
They did place first in the Atmore Christmas Parade and that night, they made history. For the first time ever, a float from the Poarch Creek Indians won a total of three awards. They finished first place in both the Poarch Creek Indian and Atmore Christmas Parades plus won the Atmore Christmas Parade’s “Ahhh Award”. What made their achievement so special was not that they won the competition, but how they spent the $300 cash prize they received for winning.
The crew knew they wanted to use the money to help the community when so many families are enduring tough economic times. They drew inspiration from a line in Charlie Brown’s Christmas. In the story it was asked, “Isn’t there anyone who understands what Christmas is all about?” “Sure,” said Linus. “I can tell you what Christmas is all about.”
Their goal was to show that they understood the real meaning of Christmas. Their plan was to provide 10 Christmas dinners for local families in need. They received additional assistance from individuals from the CIEDA Board of Directors and staff, Poarch Creek Indian Government offices and some Wind Creek Casino employees, as well as the local Piggly Wiggly who offered to sell them the hams at cost.
That enabled the float crew to present a total of 13 families with Christmas dinners made up of ham, sweet potatoes, brown sugar, green beans, corn, stuffing, gravy, dessert, rolls and cranberry sauce. The donations were so extensive they were able to add a loaf of bread, jars of jelly and peanut butter, bags of oranges and apples, whipped cream, marshmallows, butter, an assortment of candies, and a blanket for each family. Included with each gift box was a Christmas card giving well wishes.
The saying goes a man cannot help another without also helping himself. The CIEDA float crew and staff understand that all too well. Donna Henry, the float crew leader stated, “So many people are hurting right now, it just feels good to help someone else.”
Pictured top and top inset: The Creek Indian Enterprises Development Authority float in the Atmore Christmas parade. NorthEscambia.com photos. Pictured bottom inset: Some of the food provided for needy families. Pictured below: Float ushers Ginger Stabler, Judson Stabler, Lee Moons, Kitty Stuart, Tasha McGhee, Teresa McLaughlin, and Paula Smith. Characters (from left) Peppermint Patty – Brenda Helton, Pig Pin – Michelle White, Charlie Brown – Judge Mark Kennedy, Lucy – Amanda McGhee, Marcie – Judy McElhaney, Snoopy – Paula Miller, Schroder – Bryan Fayard, Charlie Brown – Tammy Gaffney, Linus – Curtis Hayes, Lucy – Brandi Helton and Sally on Knee – Donna Henry. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Comments
4 Responses to “A Charlie Brown Christmas: Angels Helping Others”
Hi. I am president of a group of girls who volunteer in our community.
We will be participating in a light parade this coming weekend. Our theme is Charlie brown Christmas. Where or how did u make the heads of the characters? They are great. Or maybe we can buy them from u?
that is a amazing thing to think of for these rough holidays..there’s a lot of families put there suffering and this an amazing thing to do.
Congratulations to everyone that put together the Charlie Brown Float and participated in the parades… I was walking with my daughter and her group “TwirlTime” and didn’t actually get to see the float until the end of the parade, once we pulled out of the parade we saw this float and many others go by, heading to the Atmore High School. When I saw this particular float pass, I said ” That is a gorgeous float along with the characters and music”… It is so wonderful of these members to help these needy families like this through the holidays, what more christmas spirit can one ask for…Happy Holidays!
What a wonderful thing to do!