First National Bank of Brundidge hosted a Christmas party for the clients at Pike Activity Center in Brundidge on Thursday. Little did the bank’s officials and employees know that they would receive a gift in return.

The clients performed a skit for the hosts that brought tears to a few eyes.

“The skit was absolutely great,” said Jimmy Ramage, bank president. “We really appreciate them doing it for us. This was the first time, they have done anything like that and it was very special for all of us.”

The skit told the story of the importance of seeing the hurt and pain in others and lending them a helping hand or a shoulder to lean on.

Those who participated in the skit were Victoria Harrison, Yolonda Harrison, Willie McMillian, Nathanial Brockton, Amanda Green, Lillie Foster, Fadell Smith, Mae Boswell, Annie Reynolds and Alice Andrews. Danny Zapata, Center director, said the clients had performed the skit earlier and were excited to perform it for the First National employees.

“First National Bank has been hosting a Christmas party for the clients since 2003 and we look forward to it every year,” Zapata said. “In fact, the clients start asking about it in May. This is a very special time for them because this is the only Christmas many of them will have. We really appreciate the bank’s doing this. It means so much to our clients.”

Ramage said the idea for the party came from the realization that the employees would rather do something for someone else than give gifts to each other.

“We had been exchanging gifts at the bank and we just started thinking that we all have so much at Christmas and there are those who have so little,” Ramage said. “

I think we get as much from this as the clients, maybe more. We look forward to it every year.”

The Center supplies the ages and wish lists of the clients and the bank employees draw names.

“Their wants ranged this year from a fruit basket to a radio,” Ramage said.

“One client wanted a gift certificate to Subway and we got that for him. We’ve given from coats to cologne – just a wide range of things.”

One client who has moved away gave Santa Claus clothespin ornaments to many of the clients, the Center staff and to Ramage.

“We’ve got those on the Christmas tree at the bank and they are part of every Christmas,” Ramage said.

“The clients at Pike Activities are very special and we enjoy spending time with them at Christmas.”