Families lined the hallway. Kids played in excitement. Christmas lights hung on the tree. Cookies, turkeys, and Juice Drinks sat, waiting on the tables, along with overflowing food boxes full of groceries.
Sock hats, mittens, and gloves longed for small heads and hands to fill them like hungry bellies during a Thanksgiving prayer.
The Terminator endoskeleton gleamed in the fluorescent light. Barbie and Darth Vader sat in close proximity without a hint of animosity between them. Stuffed animals and toys were strung throughout the room while Superman and Aquaman looked on.
Santa Claus was readily perched upon his chair, and Mrs. Claus sat in eager anticipation as the doors opened and the children entered the room to tell Santa what they hoped to receive for Christmas this year.
For 17 years this scene has played out as people with hearts as big as Santa’s satchel strive to make a difference in the inner-city community. This year, Santa and his elves filled the C.K. Newsome Center with Christmas cheer.
Fred Cook started out in a red and white suit, asking the children what they would like for Christmas, but has since retired from the position to help orchestrate this charitable event.
His first days were in Goosetown, handing out one toy and one candy bar per underprivileged child. For the last several years, hundreds of kids have come out and enjoyed the blessing of this giving group.
‘Christmas in the Hood’ draws a crowd of big-hearted, passionate people who want to be there for the less fortunate, people like Fred Cook, Gail Reicken, and George Lumley were there to assist Santa.
Other familiar faces such as Rev. William Payne, Vanderburgh County Prosecutor Nick Hermann, and Evansville City Councilwoman Connie Robinson were there to connect with the families.
Fred Cook is the president/CEO of the COalition for Inner-city Neighborhoods (C.O.I.N.), which meets monthly at the Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library downtown, and works year-round to make a positive difference for the less fortunate in our community.
Because of Fred Cook and C.O.I.N.’s generous charity, Evansville kids who might not otherwise get a Christmas gift get a bag to fill, a belly-full, a toy of their choice, a stuffed animal to hold, and a candy cane to boot.
When every child has a gift and a smile, the town is just right. Merry Christmas to Evansville, and to all a good night.
