Before the sun rose Christmas Eve morning, the only lights on at Shops at Seymour were in Suite 211.

That’s where the Jackson County Sertoma Club’s Christmas Miracle Headquarters was set up this year.

In the weeks leading up to Christmas, the boxes in the room became full with gifts to wrap, and volunteers came out in force to get them all wrapped up so they could be delivered Friday morning.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Posse was the first group of volunteers to arrive at 6 a.m. — an hour before volunteers were asked to show up.

By 7:30 a.m., very few boxes remained in the headquarters. They either already had been delivered to all parts of Jackson County or were on their way there.

It was a monumental effort, as around 250 families, including 600-plus kids ages 12 and under, were served by the program this year.

“The volunteers showed up,” Sertoma Christmas Miracle co-chairman John Fox said. “The community has been very kindhearted about this all along.”

As people flurried in and out of the headquarters, Fox said there was no possible way to count the number of volunteers who showed up. He’s just glad they did.

Not only does he appreciate those people, but he thanked the many people who took a paper angel off of one of the three Angel Trees set up in Seymour, bought the toys and took them to the headquarters to be wrapped and delivered.

“In my mind, that’s obvious evidence that the community cares for everybody, that they care for their own,” Fox said.

When it came to delivering gifts, many people, including Fox’s family, have made it a tradition to be there Christmas Eve morning.

“It has become a tradition for us every Christmas,” he said. “It’s what we do.”

The Pershing Township Volunteer Fire Department has made it a priority for at least five years to arrive at the headquarters to pick up boxes that go to northwestern Jackson County, including Freetown.

“It’s good for us to get out and do something for the community,” Aaron Otte said. “A lot of times, we’re showing up and somebody’s having probably the worst day they could have. To get to do this, at least it’s something you’re giving back in a different way.”

Todd Brumfield and Chad Smith both have helped with the fire department’s effort in the past, too.

“Just helping the kids have a good Christmas,” Brumfield said of why he chooses to get up early on Christmas Eve to help.

“Just helping the kids and just community relations,” Smith said of what brings him back each year.

This, however, was Michael Knight’s first time helping. He said it was important to help kids have a good Christmas.

For siblings Kathy Brown and Karen Black and Brown’s son, Brody, helping with Sertoma Christmas Miracle delivery was a new experience.

Black said her sister called and asked her if she wanted to help, and she agreed to do it.

“She wanted to hang out with her sister,” Brown said, smiling.

Brown said this also was her first time selecting a paper angel from an Angel Tree and buying gifts.

“I just hope it gives them a good Christmas and holiday cheer and makes them know that there are people out there that are willing to help them,” Brown said. “It’s a good community to be in.”

Brody, 13, said he liked not only being able to buy gifts for other kids but also helping deliver boxes.

“I’m helping the community and giving back to the community,” he said.

So will this become a tradition for the family?

“I think so,” Kathy said.