Sheriff Leon Lott and ABC Columbia’s Curtis Wilson host Christmas party for seniors

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — Around 100 seniors spent the afternoon with Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott and ABC Columbia’s Curtis Wilson for a special holiday party at The Ark Church on St. Andrews Road.

Sponsored by Loretta Coleman Ministries, the event is known as “Christmas with Sheriff Leon Lott,” and was hosted by Wilson.

Seniors filled the room for a chance to have some fun — and win some door prizes.

Purses, gift cards, cleaning supplies, and cash were “lotted” out to guests during the party.

And what Christmas party is complete without a little singing?

For a chance to win a prize, several guests also led sing-a-longs to songs of their choice, including Connie McEachern.

“For the seniors of this community and this area, we appreciate it, we love it. We had a wonderful time. Everything was beautiful. We had lots of gifts and good food, and good fellowship!” says McEachern

She believes this time of year is all about togetherness, family, and friendship.

“That’s what it’s all about. It’s about celebrating Christ and just loving family and being together,” McEachern says.

Jarod Smith who led the audience in singing the Christmas hymnal “Oh Come All Ye Faithful” came to the party with some of his church members from Hopkins, South Carolina. He agrees the event is all about togetherness.

“Especially during this season of giving, the season of love, the season of gathering with family. It was good to be able to share and fellowship with the seniors, especially from Mount Moriah Baptist Church and some faces I’ve known throughout the community,” Smith says.

Seniors were also given a free lunch as they left the event.