Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
Barnwell dentist Craig Wix (right) stands with an inflatable decoration of Clark Griswold from "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" movie.
A Barnwell dentist is hoping to spread Christmas cheer while helping children in need.
Dr. Craig Wix, owner of Palmetto Dentistry, will host the second annual Jenna’s Toy Drive Live this Saturday, Dec. 9. This will include live music, a display of 27,000 lights, food, and a toy drive to benefit children at Augusta Children’s Hospital.
“This will be an amazing light show with 27,000 lights set to your favorite songs, snow machines, and great fellowship. We have much more this year to come see,” said Wix.
The show will start at 5:30 p.m. at the family’s home (20 Rookery Row, Barnwell). The show is free, but everyone is encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy for the toy drive.
“The toy drive is the center of the whole thing,” said Wix.
The late Jenna Bodiford is the inspiration for the light display and the toy drive. The Barnwell teenager died from cancer in 2018 at the age of 14.
“Brett (Jenna’s father) has been a good friend and Jenna was a patient,” said Wix. “She was someone who feared me (as a dentist), but then she went fearless during her cancer battle. I saw her transform into an inspiration who led others to Christ.”
Jenna’s legacy lives on through an annual toy drive hosted by former classmate Emma Hodge. The toy drive started in 2018 and continues to collect hundreds of toys annually. In 2020, the toy drive was a huge help for the hospital when many other toy drives did not happen due to COVID-19.
"Jenna loved people and Jenna loved God, and what Jenna has done through her story is empower young people like Emma to not only stand up for God but also to love others," said Brett Bodiford in a newspaper story after the 2018 toy drive.
Toys will be delivered on December 21.
In addition to lights and snow, American Idol Top 8 finalist Warren Peay, who is from neighboring Bamberg County, will be performing. Other performances include Miss Barnwell County Teen Anna Kate Richardson, the Barnwell High School Majorettes (fire baton), and Hagood Avenue Baptist Church’s HIM (Hands in Motion) group. Santa Claus will also be available for photos.
“It will be a night to remember! Hope to see you there!” said Wix.
A 1,000-light angel wing selfie station will be available.
Be sure to come hungry because there will be four food truck vendors selling food, including Russell’s Pizza, Eat Street (burgers, wings, chicken tenders), Coffee & Things (coffee vendor), and Cool Delights (ice cream and slushies).
While this event is only one day, the light display will remain until January.
