THE GIVING OF GIFTS: Tiftarea YMCA Sports Coordinator Seth Bishoff brings out the basket of the next child receiving gifts as part of Y Christmas. Nearly 150 children were sponsored in the annual event.

TIFTON — Around the corner, even before he spotted the basket, the young boy could be heard — “Spider-Man!”

Then he saw it in front of the Christmas tree. A full basket, nearly all of it Spider-Man items. Spider-Man pajamas, Spider-Man toys, everything for a young Spidey fan. He was not disappointed. “Spider-Man! Spider-Man!,” he exclaimed, dancing in front of the tree before singing his own version of the Spider-Man theme song.

His happiness was one moment in a half-day of happiness for Y Christmas, hosted by the Tiftarea YMCA Dec. 9, one of their annual events. Local children received baskets containing toys and clothing to make their holidays a little brighter.

Some of the children were in disbelief. When told she received everything in her basket, one little girl couldn’t believe it at first. “We do?,” she asked.

Tiftarea YMCA CEO Jason Bishoff said about 145 kids received gifts at Y Christmas.

Kids served by Y Christmas ranged in age from infants to 13 years old.

The gift baskets are very balanced. Bishoff described what went into each. “Clothes first,” he said. “Then they get two or three wish items.” Clothes include shoes, socks and underpants. They also receive a Bible. “Spirit, mind and body,” said Bishoff. “That’s what the Y is all about.”

Superheroes — especially Spider-Man — were popular wish items this year, as well as Legos, remote control cars and dolls.

Each family group gets their own time alone with their gifts by the Christmas tree. Y Christmas began in the morning and ran until early afternoon.

Bishoff said the kids are as grateful for clothing as they are the more fun items. For many, he said, it is a time they are not receiving hand-me-downs.

In addition to the gifts, they also get breakfast or a snack. The giving does not stop there. “All children will get a scholarship to play sports at the YMCA,” Bishoff said. They can also be involved with the after-school programs.

Many groups volunteered to help organize and give out the gifts. The Freedom Seekers Motorcycle Club sponsored about 20-30 kids, Bishoff said.

“We’re so thankful for these groups helping out,” he said.

For those who missed the deadline to sponsor a child but still want to help out, Bishoff said they can sponsor a YMCA sports scholarship.