Local business surprises 40 Angel Tree children with early Christmas

JACKSON, Tenn. — Christmas came early for dozens of students Friday at Isaac Lane Elementary School.

“I got me some lip gloss,” Nora Bryant, a fourth grader, said. “I got me some comfortable tights, and I got me some shoes.”

Express Employment Professionals adopted 40 underprivileged students for Christmas. “We love seeing the smiles on these children’s faces,” owner Susan Morris said.

Morris said their clients, friends, staff and community all came together to purchase presents. “They just put more joy in our hearts than they receive,” she said.

Kids got everything from bikes to tablets and art supplies. Kids got some of what they wanted and what they needed. “I got a hair style play set, and I got clothes,” Rikiya Mitchell, a second grader, said.

Santa and Mrs. Claus made a surprise visit. Parents watched kids’ faces light up. “Oh, it’s exciting,” Tracy Hill, a parent, said. “It’s a blessing. She’s excited. I’m excited for her.”

The gifts were a welcome Christmas surprise. “It feels awesome,” Bryant said.

Express Employment Professionals started sponsoring students at Isaac Lane five years ago. Morris said this is their biggest giveaway yet.