We received dozens of amazing entries for our “Win Two Tickets to Christmas Town” contest, but James A. Beier’s entry stood out from the others.
“My favorite Christmas carol is ‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town,’” he wrote. “My reason is I recently had an encounter with a little girl named, Brooklynn Santos, who was featured in a front-page article in the Plant City Times & Observer.
“She is 5 years old and suffers from a rare medical condition that has rendered her unable to walk,” Beier said. “The article mentioned that a fundraiser was scheduled to help the family meet expenses regarding her care. This included modifying the inside of their house, so Brooklynn can navigate her wheelchair through doorways and down halls.
“I was unavailable to attend the fundraiser, because of travel, so I made a donation directly to the family,” he said. “When I returned from my travel, there was a postcard from Brooklynn and her family thanking me for my support.
“I served in the U.S. Marines many years ago and have regularly supported (its) long-established Toys for Tots program,” Beier said. “I decided I should purchase Brooklynn a Toys for Tots present and deliver it to her, personally. I bought a large teddy bear and wrapped it in Christmas paper with images of Santa Claus all over the paper. Last week, I was invited to her home by her mother to deliver the present to Brooklynn. When she unwrapped the present, she hugged the bear around the neck, her voice was filled with joy, her eyes lit up, and the smile on her face melted my heart away and nearly brought me to tears. And, I’m supposed to be a tough Marine.
“As I was preparing to leave, Brooklynn’s grandmother picked her up and directed me to the Christmas tree in the room,” he said. “She pointed out the large toy reindeer at the foot of the tree. She told me that every night before going to bed, Brooklynn talks to the reindeer about Christmas and reminds the reindeer that, “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” and she hopes he will stop at her house. Upon leaving the house, I thought every time I hear the Christmas song, “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” I will think of that precious little girl. I was both humbled by meeting her and at the same time, my life was enriched beyond measure. If I am fortunate enough to win the two Busch Gardens tickets, I am going to give them as a Christmas present to Brooklynn’s mother, so she can take Brooklynn to see Busch Gardens’ Christmas Town. That is the best way I can repay Brooklynn and her family for the wonderful Christmas present they gave to me.”