Alvin Mohlfeld, commander of the Leon Ogier Post No. 2 of the American Legion, Nevada, presents James Hackney of Nevada a certificate of appreciation in recognition of Hackney's 40 years of portraying Santa Claus (in lieu of the Jolly Old Elf himself, who, rumor has it, is busy all over the world that day) during the post's annual Christmas toy giveaway held Dec. 24. The certificate noted Hackney and his wife Melanie's (Mrs. Claus) "service and assistance which contributed to the advancement of the American Legion programs and activities." Hackney said he had been Santa all those years "just for the fun of it," but a recent stroke had made it more and more difficult to get into the Santa suit. Mohlfeld said later that Hackney turned in his suit and officially retired after the Christmas Eve toy giveaway and dinner held at the American Legion Hall at 402 E. Cherry Street.
Christina Carroll, 8, of Nevada; and Shane Fritts, 11, also of Nevada, stand with the bicycles they won in the annual drawing held during the toy giveaway. Members and volunteers handed out $1,500 worth of toys to more than 100 local children, delivered more than 30 traditional Christmas dinners to area residents and served dinner to an additional 85 people. The post's oldest member Joan Ostrander, 92, of Nevada was the guest of honor for the occasion. Ostrander was a U.S. Army nurse during World War II.