Wilson police knocked on doors, delivered gifts and added a little Christmas cheer Tuesday for the annual Christmas in the South program.

“It’s a blessing,” said Wilson resident Denisha Blanchard.

She and her mother, Monica Blanchard, stood at the door smiling as officers delivered a bag of toys and a box full of food.

“It’s been hard this year because I lost my job,” Denisha Blanchard said.

Tears filled her eyes. Blanchard knew her 4-year-old daughter Alanta Birdsong would have Christmas.

“She’s excited,” Blanchard said. “She’s ready for Santa Claus. She asks every day, ‘Is it Christmas yet?’”

THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

Christmas in the South looked different again this year due to COVID-19. But that didn’t stop the police department from carrying on its more than decade-old tradition.

“They are still going to have Christmas,” said Wilson Police Chief Scott Biddle. “With COVID, a lot of the parents weren’t able to work for an extended period of time. Somebody who was having a hardship, it’s even harder. Luckily, we are in a position where we’re able to make this happen.”

More than 350 children will be blessed over a two-day period this week as officers deliver presents and food to homes.

‘GAME DAY’

Christmas in the South was made possible through donations from residents, businesses, the police department and city of Wilson employees.

“Everybody still came through just like they do every year,” said Reggie Branch, senior police officer.

Christmas in the South is Branch’s brainchild. He started the project more than 20 years ago at Reggie’s Grocery. An effort to help 40 kids in the police department’s South District evolved into a Wilson-wide mission that helps hundreds each year.

“A lot of them wouldn’t even get Christmas,” Branch said. He said there’s nothing better than seeing the children’s faces light up when officers bring them gifts.

Branch said he couldn’t sleep Monday night. He was too excited.

“It’s just like when I used to play football and being a football coach at Darden — the night before the game, I can’t sleep,” he said with a smile.

‘TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS’

Pamela Jones could barely contain her excitement Tuesday when officers delivered gifts and a bicycle to her home. She said the presents were for her grandchildren.

“Wow,” Jones said. “This little boy will go crazy when he sees that bike.”

She said she was grateful for the giveaway.

“It’s love,” she said. “I love love.”

Prior to the deliveries, officers organized the gifts, bagged them and distributed the goodies by district. Families throughout the city and county were part of the program.

Biddle told employees that Christmas in the South is the epitome of what they do each day, building relationships with the community.

“This is an awesome thing to see,” Biddle said.

Maj. Kendra Howell agreed.

“This is the true meaning of Christmas,” she told officers. “It is better to give than to receive.”