Airport hosts Helping Santa fly in/drive in

Pictured are Russellvilleville firefighter Rhett Bradford, Airport Authority Chairman Dick Tutich, airport board member Johnny Malone, airport board member Hudean Wilson, airport manager Harry Mattox and firefighter Ronnie Rose.

Saturday, Harry Mattox, the Russellville Airport manager, and Dick Tutich, chairman of Airport Authority, got together for a Helping Santa fly in/drive in event at the Russellville Municipal Airport.

It was something fun for the whole family to enjoy and to help donate toys for the fire department’s toy drive. A chili lunch was also provided.

“We were due for a fly in, and would’ve been bigger if it wasn’t for the cloudy weather,” Tutich said. “It was a good turnout.”

The airport saw about 30 people come help donate toys and five airplanes fly in.

“It was a successful day, receiving lots of toys for the fire department’s toy box. We have been wanting to do this for several years but just haven’t been able to get to it,” Mattox said. “Board member Hudean Wilson was instrumental in helping make it happen, as were (board member) Johnny Malone and his wife Brenda … Hudean was the one keeping it on the forefront of our minds until we finally made it happen.”

Mattox said they hope to make the Helping Santa fly in/drive in an annual event.

The fire department is still in need of toy donations to help children and families in Russellville and Franklin County. Donations may be taken to Fire Station 1 on Jackson Avenue in Russellville through noon Dec. 23.