George ‘Happy’ Irby’s legacy: Spreading joy for the holidays
COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Some of Santa’s Helpers were busy in Columbus. Volunteers with the “Happy Christmas Fund” were out in force shopping for gifts to brighten the holiday for some area youngsters.
The Columbus Christmas tradition began years ago when George “Happy” Irby began taking the tips he earned at the Columbus Club at Columbus Air Force Base and bought gifts for older people and needy families in Columbus.
Even though Happy Irby passed away 14 years ago, his legacy lives on with a dedicated group of volunteers, including his son, George Irby, Jr.
“These are kids that look forward to receiving some gifts and some may not receive anything but this particular gift. And that’s hard to believe in this time when everybody’s helping, but that’s what I’ve been told. We going to bless some child with a gift during this Christmas season of giving. So, I will be sending out letters even after giving, and the shopping and fruit baskets, so that we can sustain my father’s legacy to me that’s important,” said George Irby, Jr.
Volunteers wrapped gifts on December 13.
