The sights and sounds of Christmas were seen and heard all throughout Magnolia Mall Saturday morning.
It was quite a change from the madness of Black Friday as shoppers leisurely strolled through the aisles and stopped to listen to Brass 5x5 play Christmas songs outside Belk department store.
Bargain hunter Jack Cagle of Florence took time in between purchases to sit and enjoy the live music.
“I think it’s wonderful,” he said. “I really appreciate them giving their time.”
The quintet, consisting of trumpet players Kurt Slaughenhoupt and Terry Fancey, trombone player Jim Bos, french horn player Tyler Hutto and tuba player Jim Gleason, volunteered their time and gave two performances on Saturday at 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to the delight of shoppers. They also were there to raise money for a cause close to their heart.
About five years ago, Gleason was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer and attended a cancer walk sponsored by McLeod Hospital.
“There was a little girl there and you couldn’t see her face cause her smile was so big,” said Gleason. “I was about to give up but because of her I stuck it out and I’m still here.”
Ever since then, he has felt indebted to that little girl. With events like this, Gleason is able to share his gift of music to raise money and awareness for McLeod Children’s Hospital and help children just like the one that changed his life.
“Christmas is for kids. It’s hard enough being a kid, let alone being a kid in a hospital so we want to help,” he said.
McLeod Children’s Hospital cares for more than 26,000 children every year. It is one of 170 hospitals in North America that make up the Children’s Miracle Network, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping children by raising funds and awareness for affiliate hospitals. One hundred percent of every dollar raised in a community stays there to help children in need.
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