Several communities received some Christmas cheer from the staff at Mack Benn Jr. Elementary School Monday evening.

Two buses dispatched from the school were filled with teachers, staff and their families as they traveled to six different neighborhoods where their students live to sing Christmas carols and spread the holiday spirit.

This has been a tradition for Mack Benn staff for a few years, and Principal Garrick Rhoads wanted to continue it.

“I can’t take credit for all of this. It was started by the previous administration, and I wanted to continue the tradition,” Rhoads said.

Once the bus appeared at Heritage Acres, a crowd of students came to see what was going to happen, and none of them were disappointed.

Teachers brought along speakers and sang along to classic Christmas songs like “Jingle Bell Rock” and “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” Staff and teachers made sure to dress up for holiday cheer as well, with people wearing antlers, garland and Christmas lights.

While the teachers and their families were singing, Rhoads and Santa Claus walked around handing out candy canes and books.

Each child received an age-appropriate book wrapped in festive paper.

“It’s one of the best events of the year,” Rhoads said as he passed out the books. “We love doing stuff for the kids in the community.”

Not only was the event exciting for the kids, but also Rhoads enjoyed the chance to spend time with his staff and their families outside of the school building.

“I just love the chance to be with staff, and they get to bring their families too,” Rhoads said.