The bands of the Durant school district have formed a tradition in recent years around the Christmas season.
Three years ago, Director of Bands Chris Gregg made the decision to change the entry fee for the annual Christmas concert. Instead of just a certain monetary amount given to watch the December performance, it was suggested that those who attend should bring a toy for donation to the Bryan County Child Welfare.
“When I was in high school, I would play Santa Claus for the elementary schools,” Gregg said. “And I’ve always wanted to do something like this to be able to give to kids in a different way that makes a difference.
“So to me, this is a tremendous honor and I am so proud of our community for all that they do, and all the kids that they’re helping.”
The bands, as well as friends and family of those performing, have been giving large amounts of toys to Child Welfare and the Child Welfare has in turn been able to bless children who are in foster care, children who are in safety plans and any other child that DHS comes into contact with that is determined to have a need.
“We all feel like this is really amazing and we cannot be appreciative enough for what has been done,” said Shanda Reed, a supervisor at the Bryan County Department of Human Services.
The DHS Band Boosters helped not only to bring in toys from the concert and deliver those toys to the Child Welfare office, but also a number of Boosters helped to sort the gifts for delivery.
More than 1,000 toys were collected at the 2023 Christmas concert on Sunday, Dec. 10.