December 2, 2007, was a great day for some kids.  John estimates about 250 kids came through the Toy Shop and got to pick whatever they wanted.  Our Pirate Cove was set up next to the Toy Shop so we could "bead" them as they went to see Santa. On the other end of their adventure, they came away with some great toys. We saw some little kids with some big toys. It was great to be a small part of a "Secret" Santa's dedication to kids.

There were a lot of young girls that wanted to meet "the Princess."  Meeting Miss Gasparilla 2007 (Heather Anderson) made the day for them.  Heather gave each child her undivided attention. I know we all want to thank Heather for volunteering to spend the day with us.  We had a mini-soccer field next to us and that explains why a lot of soccer balls were kicked our way by the teenage boys!

When asked about their day, all the kids talked about the "pirates."  They made the day worth while for those of us that could make it.  We were visited by the Tampa Bay Lightning mascot Bug. He kept trying to pollinate Miss Gasparilla.

Here you see some of the pirates that entertained the kids along with Miss Gasparilla and the Tampa Bay Lightning Bug.