Sleigh with 3CX backhoe.

JCB, the world's largest privately owned heavy equipment manufacturer, hosted the annual Lady Bamford Center Christmas Extravaganza on Wednesday, December 14 in Savannah, Ga.

To kick off the Extravaganza, Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived in a special JCB sleigh powered by a JCB 3CX backhoe loader. Santa, Mrs. Claus and a number of elves (portrayed by JCB executives and staff) presented each child with a gift provided by the company. The event also included story-time with Santa, Mrs. Claus and their elves, and

Christmas carols sung by the Lady Bamford Center children.

“We all look forward to the Christmas Extravaganza each year, and we truly enjoy being a part of such a worthwhile event,” said Thom Peebles, Vice President of Marketing for JCB North America. “The Christmas season is such a special time, and it's heartwarming to see the wonder and joy present in the eyes of these young children. All of us at JCB are honored to be a part of holiday memories that many of these children will enjoy for a lifetime.”

Operated by Wesley Community Centers of Savannah, the Lady Bamford Center provides education and social skills development to children from six weeks to five years of age. Located at 1410 Richard Street in West Savannah, the Center offers priority admission to children from homeless and low-income families, as well as children with physical, mental or emotional challenges. Its interactive curriculum prepares young children for kindergarten and elementary school and helps them compete with other children academically. The Lady Bamford Center is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Fewer than eight percent of all early childhood centers in the United States receive this prestigious honor.

For more information about JCB visit www.jcb.com. To learn more about the Lady Bamford Center and how it helps young children reach their full potential, visit www.ladybamfordcenter.com.

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