If you don’t believe us, if somehow you’re still carrying a Grinchian, Scrooge-like, bah humbug attitude toward the season, we would direct you to the Bluffton Boys & Girls Club. There, amid the glitz of inflatables and twinkle lights and the atmosphere of generosity, the staff and volunteers are making the kind of Christmas-magic-moments that will grow any heart three sizes.
“We’re still amazed at the miracles that have happened before,” director Molly Smith said. “I don’t think you can put a price tag on that.”
This year, the miracle will wind through the Boys & Girls Club of Bluffton’s parking lot, giving hundreds of families a happy holiday and spreading hope and joy. Spurred on by the generosity of the community, some 700-plus people will be dazzled by the kaleidoscope of decorations lining the drive, share in the fellowship of the season, and fill their trunks with toys, bikes, scooters, sporting goods, and groceries.
This drive-through format came about last year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. What had been a Santa’s workshop set up in the club’s gym moved outside.
“I had to tell (my volunteers) we weren’t going to be able to do Christmas that year,” Smith said. “They didn’t take that. They said we had to do something.”
Spurred to action, the volunteers began working the phones in the hopes of salvaging Christmas for the children. The community responded in a big way.
“The magnitude of it … we had businesses from here to Atlanta pitching in,” volunteer Gene King said. Nimmer Turf Farm gave bikes, scooters and decorations for the outdoor workshop. Realtor Jeff Hunt donated some of the 200 bikes he collects for donations each year. Collins Realty Group went door to door in the Haven Community collecting toys. Helping Hands of Bluffton gave nearly 250 bags of groceries.
“The support that has poured in from this town, not just gifts but ornaments, decorations, blowups…. The only thing we didn’t have, that I want this year, is some snow,” Smith said with a laugh.
We may not get snow, but the generosity has persisted. For this year’s drive-through, Colleton River will sponsor a pre-party for teens, the Town of Bluffton has helped, and Bluffton Self Help recently sent a donor to the club who chipped in six full-size palates of toys.
You’ll have the opportunity to help, too. Simply drop an unwrapped gift in one of the hand-decorated boxes you’ll find around town, and you can be part of the miracle.
Visit bgcbluffton.org to learn more.
