A few of the many lights that decorate the yard of Hannah and Craig Kirkland at 1312 Third St. S.E.

MOULTRIE, Ga. — A Moultrie tradition will kick off Friday for a short run prior to the Christmas holiday.

Craig and Hannah Kirkland, 1312 Third St. S.E., have their Christmas lights turned on, and Santa Claus is on the schedule to visit 6-8 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights for the next three weeks. (The “jolly old elf” has another commitment Dec. 21 and 22, so the event won’t be held then.)

The Kirklands invite the community to come view their display, which they started in 2014. There’s no cost to attend, but the Kirklands are accepting donations for a family in need if anyone wants to give.

This year, the family is a young mother with five children escaping an abusive relationship, Hannah Kirkland said. She said the woman sold everything she had for bus tickets from Pittsburgh for her and her children. She ran out of money in Moultrie, so here’s where she stopped. She stayed at Serenity House, Colquitt County’s women’s shelter, for a few weeks, but she has her own apartment now.

“She’s trying to get her life back,” Kirkland said.

The woman — who is remaining anonymous for obvious reasons — has five children, ages 10, 8, 4, 3 and 2.

“We made sure they all have jackets,” Kirkland said. “We’ve bought them all one pair of shoes, but that’s all the shoes they have.”

Kirkland said the woman is trying to get a job, but without a car it’s proven difficult.

Financial donations will be accepted, and so will gifts of canned goods, new or gently used toys, or clothing. Kirkland said she has the children’s sizes if anyone wants to donate clothes. Call her at (229) 891-0313.