Though temperatures on Dec. 4 were well into the 60s, the city of Russellville was able to get into the Christmas spirit with their annual parade that made its way down Jackson Avenue Thursday night.

Those unseasonably warm temperatures might have contributed to one of the best turnouts that Mayor David Grissom can remember.

“We had a great turnout this year, just really great,” Grissom said. “I think the weather was obviously in our favor, but it was one of the best parades that I can remember.”

Grissom and members of the city council and city departments made their way through the parade on the “Helping Santa” float for the first time in the program’s seven years.

“This was the first year for the program to have a float,” Grissom said. “I think it was a great idea and it turned out to be a huge success. We raised a lot of money for a great cause by doing that.”

Past years have seen program organizers rely on donations that came in to different collection areas around the county. Grissom said a new idea this year helped to collect even more for the organization.

“This year with the float we were able to have people bring their donations to the parade,” Grissom said. “People could come up and place their gifts on the float.

“I was really pleased with the generosity and the help that we received from people. This was a great boost to our program.”

Monetary donations were also collected by the program including over $2,100 at the parade from the Russellville Electric Board, the Russellville Water and Sewer Board, the Russellville Gas Department, the local CB&S Bank and the Cotton Flats Cruiser Car Club.

Grissom said those donations are not only good for the Helping Santa program but also local businesses.

“This money from the donations to the Helping Santa program will be spent at local businesses to buy gifts for the program and the recipients,” Grissom said. “It is turning out to be a great program that we have going on.”

There are over 30 locations around town where donations can be made including both fire departments, Russellville City Hall, the Park and Recreation Department, the Mullins Center, Fred’s Department Store, Family Pharmacy Group in Russellville and Auto Zone. Monetary donations can be made at Alabama Central Credit Union, First Metro Bank, Valley Credit Union, Community Spirit Bank, Valley State Bank and CB&S Bank locations in Russellville.

Grissom said this program has helped many kids over the years be able to have a good Christmas experience.

“There have been some amazing stories over the years that I have heard,” Grissom said. “This program truly helps and that is so good. Its one of those things that just makes you feel good.”

The Helping Santa program accepts applicants from the region and donations are dispersed to Russellville applicants first followed by Franklin County applicants and then any other applicants from surrounding communities.