GREEN COVE SPRINGS – The Christmas and Hanukah holidays are a time when most people, especially children, look forward to receiving gifts. Unfortunately, there are many people who lack the means to hand out gifts, and many children are left without.

The holidays, however, also are a time of giving. There are many charitable organizations that take it upon themselves to help and to make the holidays special for those who are unable to do it for themselves.

One such organization is Guardian Ad Litem.

Each year, several departments at the Clay County Clerk’s office works with the organization, and the Sheriff’s office to make the holiday dreams of local foster children come true by donating gifts in accordance with the wish lists of the children.

“It's actually been part of the culture at the Clerk’s office for years,” said Clay County Circuit Court Clerk Tara Green, of the gift-giving program. “When I got elected back in 2012 and took office in 2013, it was one of the top ones that we wanted to continue on as a tradition.”

Some 20 foster families provided wish lists for the children in their care, and every item on those lists was procured, wrapped, and will be delivered in plenty of time for the holidays.

Gifts lined the width of the courthouse lobby in front of the Christmas tree. There items from clothes, to toys, two a couple of bicycles that children could ride to school.

"For a lot of these children, this means having a Christmas present, more than likely, for the first time in their lives,” said one representative of Guardian Ad Litem, who asked not to be identified. “The kids definitely appreciate it. A lot of times, something like this has to come out of the pockets of the foster parents. This shows there are good people out there who care a lot about their community and the children."

“It’s something that we can’t wait for every year,” said Green. “This is the most heartfelt day at the courthouse for us. More and more each year, people are seeing the difference that we are making and want to be part of it.”

Santa Claus may not be real, but his spirit is. Through Guardian Ad Litem and the Clay County courthouse, many children this year who otherwise wouldn’t have will know that St. Nick visited while they slept.