Serving Pickens County since 1978
Christmas starts here.
Neighbors helping neighbors bring toys, hope, and the joy of the season to children who need it most.
John “Buddy” CoxCountry Santa
Our story
It started with one child.
Shortly after Buddy and Nelle Cox moved to Pumpkintown, Buddy heard about a first-grade girl who needed shoes. He brought her a pair—and noticed her worn-out doll.
That Christmas, a new doll appeared under her tree. The next year Buddy helped ten children. As the list grew, neighbors donated toys and volunteered to deliver them. In 1986, Buddy built a workshop where gifts could be collected, sorted, and bagged.
Today, local schools, churches, social service agencies, businesses, and volunteers work together to carry that first act of kindness forward.
“I’m just one of Santa’s helpers.” — Buddy Cox