PALM COAST, FLA (December 23, 2023) – Marking one of Santa’s very last stops before heading off to the North Pole to put the finishing touches on the 2023 holiday season’s deliveries, the jolly old elf welcomed several hundred children from 200 families on Saturday morning at the Palm Coast Community Center for the 5th Annual Heroes and Helpers Holiday Celebration.
Enjoying a magic show, a singalong, food and more, the families immersed themselves in the festivities as they awaited the arrival of Santa. Escorted by the Palm Coast Fire Department, he stopped to greet a young boy in the community center’s courtyard on the way in.
Building the excitement and keeping guests apprised of Santa’s anticipated arrival, Lt. Patrick Juliano, Vice President of the Palm Coast Professional Fire Fighters Local 4807 said the experience harkened back to the fond days of his youth and the holiday events that made them so special.
“We wanted to find a way to give back to the kids and this is a great way. We think it just increases that community spirit and spirit of the holiday to get everybody excited about it,” said Juliano.
“Growing up, the police department in my town used to do this so I borrowed their idea. I don’t know if they do it any more but we started it about five years ago. It was always the last day of school. They did it in the afternoon at the community center and it was really special growing up and so we just replicated it,” he said.
Making a donation several months ago through their annual fundraising efforts to help support the event, Joe Vece, President of the Knights of the Inferno Motorcycle Club Flagler Chapter, was moved by the children’s joy.
“I think it’s fantastic what they’re doing here with these kids. What I like about it is you register to get it, rich or poor, no matter what. It’s fun for the kids. It’s all for the kids. We’re just proud to be a part of it,” said Vece.
One of many charitable organizations supporting a variety of events in the community, Vece is proud of the genuine hometown feeling residents share.
“Palm Coast is about the community. We do what we can to give back but there’s just so many people in Palm Coast that really care. A lot of people don’t realize what Palm Coast is all about. To me, Palm Coast is a caring community.”
Posing for a quick photo with three generations of family, “Jingle Jen” Jennifer Fiveash, a Battalion Chief of Training with the Palm Coast Fire Department shucked her gear for a festive elf suit during the event, helping focus the attention of distracted little ones for their photo with Santa.
Being able to interact with residents during a happy time rather than during an emergency, was especially meaningful for her and the rest of the team on site.
“It’s so much fun. We always see people in their worst time of need so it’s nice as professional firefighters, just something that we can team up with our partners, community leaders and just give back to the community. Obviously, that’s something we find near and dear to our heart. A lot of us have kids, so it’s the spirit of giving and getting to see on their faces. It just fills us up and gets us ready for 2024,” she said.
Watching as kids of all ages saddled up to Santa for a picture, receive a gift, and maybe a last whisper in the ear ahead of Christmas, Santa’s helper Honora said the season started early and has been a blessed one for Palm Coast Santa.
“We have been traveling around since July doing visits with the children and it’s absolutely wonderful. Just to watch the sparkle in their eye. We do public events, private events, we’ve gone to assisted living and it’s just heartwarming,” she said.
“(It’s) a memory they will hold forever, a memory that I will hold forever. It’s just the spirit of Christmas.”
Palm Coast Santa is slated for a cruise in the new year, but his helper says it won’t slow him down one bit when it comes to spreading cheer and lending an ear.
“Even when Santa’s on a cruise, he’s talking to the children. We spend a lot of time talking to people throughout the year. It’s really amazing.”
