MIRAMAR, FLA. (WSVN) - An annual event returned to one South Florida community.
The Sunbeam Polar Express made several stops across Miramar on Thursday to bring holiday cheer to families and children of all ages.
7News cameras captured Santa Claus sitting in his famous chair, watching the deserving children receive their gifts, and then smiling for photos with them.
It is all part of a partnership between Sunbeam Properties, the Tenants at Miramar Park of Commerce, and Miramar Police. Thursday’s event was the 10th annual Polar Express.
“We have about 80 tenants each year at the Miramar Park of Commerce that participate in this annual Polar Express toy drive,” said Sunbeam Properties Vice President Ryan Goggins. “We count on donations from them and then partner with the City of Miramar Police Department to help distribute.”
While last year the Sunbeam Polar Express collected roughly 3,000 toys, this year, organizers said they collected over 7,000 toys to deliver to these families.
“We have families that really, truly need it and that would benefit from it so we are grateful,” said Yeddi Rodriguez, owner of Life Learning Academy.
Those families in attendance said the event helps them out during this holiday season.
“I’m very appreciative that my children are appreciative and they’re happy and Christmas came early. It’s tough times right now, so this was really worth it. And I’m just thankful for the community coming together,” said a mother.
“Honestly. It’s just great. It’s a great thing they’re doing. Everybody’s getting a chance to get a gift. So for the moms like me, in need, I have twins, so I’m a single mom. But it’s great. It’s great,” said a second mother.
Some of the children were amazed at how many gifts they received.
“I was just expecting maybe one or two gifts. I didn’t expect all of this already,” said one child who was carrying four gifts, including an Uno card set and a football.
Even Santa gave his thoughts on the event to 7News.
“These guys sharing and doing their job and doing extra stuff like this,” he said.
Miramar Police Chief Delrish Moss said the community comes together during events like these.
“The reason we can even do this is because the community came together and at the end of the day, that’s what this is all about. It’s about community,” said Moss. “This gives us an opportunity to go when they’re at their best and to spread a little joy.”
With multiple trucks being unloaded, Brent Steffan with the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 189 said seeing the smiles on children’s faces across the city makes the event a great cause.
“The officers here, they’re not being paid to be here. They come back on their own time because again, they want to see these families. They want to see the joy on the kid’s face. And all of us want to be here just to give back,” said Steffan.
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