Soldiers, families, and local businesses come together during Christmas in the Park

Photo By Dustin Gautney | Hundreds of local families fill Bradwell Park and sing “Oh, Holy Night,” during the closing moments of Hinesville, Ga.’s Christmas in the Park, held Dec. 2.  

HINESVILLE, GEORGIA, UNITED STATES

12.02.2011

Story by Sgt. Dustin Gautney 

2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs

HINESVILLE, Ga. - Sounds of laughter, cheers, and holiday spirits filled the air as soldiers, families, and local community members came together to celebrate the holiday season during Hinesville, Ga.,’s Christmas in the park, held at Bradwell Park, Dec. 2.

With numerous events, including pictures with Santa, decorate-an-ornament workshop, inflatable rides, organic cookie decoration, free popcorn, and a live reindeer display, attendees were treated to a wide variety events designed for all ages.

While the event celebrated the holidays in a safe family environment, the Christmas in the Park allowed many military families to meet and converse, as well as, provide an opportunity for local businesses to give back to the community.

Staff Sgt. Jeff Hankins, 2-3 Brigade Troop Support Battalion, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, and his wife, Crystal Hankins said the best part of events such as Hinesville's Christmas in the Park, is the chance to meet with other families and local residents.

We don’t always spend our free time in Hinesville, but we do try to whenever there are events like this – it’s the best way to meet new people and families,” said Crystal Hankins.

For the Hankin’s events like Hinesville's Christmas in the Park, provides a safe and fun environment for their children, Urijah, age 2, and Charlize, 2-months-old.

“I used to not go out too much a few years ago, but the last couple of years we’ve had a great time going to all of the local events – we’ve met a lot of great people, and it really is the best way for our kids to meet other kids and a great way to celebrate the holidays,” said Staff Sgt. Hankins, a Peoria, Ill., native.

For participants in the Christmas in the Park event, local businesses offered free arts and crafts, food, and entertainment; like local business owner, Shannon Maggart, who gave free coffee and cookies to the events participants.

“These events are great; most of our customers are military families, without them most businesses would not be there,” said Maggart.

“Whether it is sending coffee to Iraq, or giving coffee and cookies to families at events like this; it’s our obligation to support our local military,” said Maggart.

• Date Taken: 12.02.2011
• Date Posted: 12.06.2011 21:32
• Story ID: 80981
• Location: HINESVILLE, GEORGIA, US