This Christmas, more than three hundred children who have incarcerated parents will be remember during the holiday thanks to the work of Mr. and Mrs. Santa and the giving spirit of people those children will never meet.

“I am proud of the people of our city and I want to say thank you to everyone who helped us,” says Council Jessica Green (D-1). “They opened their hearts to join us in making Christmas special for children who would not otherwise have a good holiday.”

During the week of December 5th through December 9th, Councilwoman Jessica Green and Councilman Kelly Downard (R-16) became Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus at the corner of Sixth and Jefferson. Their goal was to ask passersby to either bring an unwrapped toy or donate some money to buy toys for children whose parents were incarcerated. Toys were also dropped off at Historic City Hall and the Jefferson County Courthouse during that week.

“It was a privilege to be able to participate in this worthy cause,” said Councilman Kelly Downard (R-16). “I am so proud to have been part of this toy drive and would like to thank the many people who work and commute near City Hall that helped ensure no child is punished because of the actions of others.”

When the toy drive was over, several bags of toys had been collected and $2,000 had been raised to buy new toys.

Last Friday, the toys were delivered to the Kentucky Correctional Institute for Women in Pewee Valley. Additional toys were delivered to Louisville Metro Department Corrections and Jefferson County Family Court.

“At this time of year, it is important that we remember all children and I amazed at the response but not surprised by the help we received this year,” said Green.