ELLERBE — Children jumped for joy — and some did backflips — as Santa Claus made his way through town Wednesday afternoon.
Instead of reindeer, Santa was pulled by a four-wheeler and was assisted in handing out toys by Deputy Mark Owens and Evidence Tech Katelyn Brigman of the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.
The parade giveaway was led by Sheriff Mark Gulledge and also included vehicles from the Ellerbe Fire Department and Ellerbe Rescue.
The Christmas convoy made several stops to give toys to waiting children along the route which started on Sunset Avenue, turning left on to Easterling Street, crossing over Main Street and turning left onto Railroad Street, then right onto Crawford Road, ending at Parsons Field.
The sheriff got out to greet the kids, parents and other bystanders at the corner of Railroad and Easterling streets, giving high-fives and hugs.
Detective David Wall and a few other of Santa’s helpers refilled the makeshift sleigh several times along the way.
The toys were funded through the sheriff’s office’s no-shave program, where deputies can grow a well-kempt beard if they contribute to a charity fund.
Lt. Mike Childers said the sheriff’s office handed out more than 50 toys during a similar giveaway parade in Cordova on Saturday.
