BY BRANDY TEMPLETON

The East Iredell Elementary School cafeteria was packed on Saturday night.

Smiling children and grateful parents were treated to a spaghetti dinner, pictures with Santa Claus, a DJ spinning Christmas tunes, and an abundance of gifts courtesy of Iredell COAST.

Josh McCrary, the nonprofit’s executive, enjoys seeing happy children and his organization did its best to bring Christmas cheer to the 200 served this year.

McCrary went out of his way to make sure they got the gifts they wanted to open on Christmas morning.

Whether they received big gifts or small ones, parents and children alike were beaming as their names were called to come down and receive their gifts.

They took home bikes, a crib, and basketball systems, along with smaller gifts. Families with as may as eight children benefited.

Sara Poole brought her three sons, Xavier, Bryson, and baby Colton, to the celebration.

“It’s an honor and a blessing to get to be a part of it,” she said. “It really is. God is good.”

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