Kentucky Dream Center, Jason Crabb kick off Christmas in July

Kentucky Dream Center, along with Grammy winner Jason Crabb and Santa Claus helped some survivors of the December tornado have Christmas in July.

The Survivors Night at the Upper Room Event Center in Benton was the first of four such events, this week. Families were treated to a meal provided by Mercy Chefs, and got a presentation from God's Pit Crew, plus a performance from Crabb and his daughter.

God's Pit Crew, the Danville, Viginia based ministry, completed building a home in Dawson Springs from the ground up in 19 days. They will be doing the same in Marshall County in August.

Marshall County Commissioner Monti Collins spoke to the group, pledging government support through the rebuilding process, but noting that government can't do it all. Collins expressed gratitude to the faith-based groups that stepped up in the aftermath, and are still working in the area.

Santa Claus made an appearance to speak to the families, as well. He even gave Crabb "The Key to the North Pole" for his efforts. Santa then took the families to a parking lot out behind the building, where each family in attendance had a stack of presents ranging from toys to bikes and electronics. 

Lots of smiling faces and some joy following such a difficult seven months. Organizers enjoyed watching kids trying out new bicycles in the parking lot. An evening of fun for these families was the whole point. 

Three more Christmas in July events will take place from 10 am to 2 pm, Saturday. One will be at the Kentucky Opry in Draffenville, one at the Graves County Extension Office in Mayfield, and one on the court square in Dawson Springs.