Video: A Happy Irby Christmas

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COLUMBUS, Miss.(WCBI)–While working at the Columbus Air Force Base Officers Club in the 1950’s, bartender Happy Irby would save his tips he would later use to buy gifts to give needy families at Christmas Time.

Helping to personally deliver gifts bought from Wal-Mart for children at Coleman Head Start Center in Columbus, George Irby is determined to keep alive the legacy left by his father the late Happy Irby.

“And I see people’s hearts just pouring out. People brought money today that were even helping us to shop. So it gives a sense of the spirit of giving and serving. And thats what its all about,” said George Irby/Happy Christmas Fund.

“We had about 30 to 40 volunteers wrapping over 200 and something gifts in a record time,” said MSGT Noe Torres/CAFB.

The Happy Fund is providing clothing, school supplies, and other necessities for approximately 350 under privileged children at about 10 elementary and pre schools in the Columbus area.

“And some of them really didn’t have it to give to their kids, and I understand that. Some of them are single parent and some of them are not. But their families are having a hard time,” said Cora Williams/Parent-Volunteer.

“Because I see it every day and we just do a part of it. The schools give us the names of kids that they think need it the most. And we try to spread it equally among all of the schools,” said George Irby.

“I think its amazing. I mean a lot of the children here aren’t as privileged as others. And thats just a really good thing,” said Chorissa Deline.
Gifts wrapped for others now, should make for smiling happy faces when they are unwrapped at Christmas time.

“Cause my baby, my three year old just love unwrapping stuff. And she is waiting on Christmas. She is counting down the days,” said Cora Williams.

The Happy Fund also provides for fruit baskets and other gifts given to the elderly and shut-in during the holiday season.