Santa Comes Early to Edison Elementary: Local Amazon Hub Driver Brings Warmth—and Christmas Spirit—to Ashland Children
ASHLAND — Santa came early to Edison Elementary School this year—arriving not by sleigh, but through the kindness of a local Amazon hub driver named Ben Nutter, whose heartfelt nomination helped bring dozens of winter coats, hats, and socks to children in need.
Thanks to Nutter’s efforts and Amazon’s Together We Give program, Christmas arrived wrapped in warmth, generosity, and community spirit for Edison students. What began as a simple request from a delivery driver turned into a moment of joy and comfort for families across the school.
Principal Nicole Brodie said the need for winter essentials has been especially significant this year.
“We’ve already given away 40 winter jackets,” Brodie shared. “Kids come in all the time asking if we have coats that fit them. This donation was a huge benefit—making sure our kids are warm, safe, and cared for.”
Nutter, who owns the Ashland Thrift Store with his wife and partners with Amazon as a delivery hub, nominated Edison Elementary after learning about the nationwide initiative.
“Amazon wanted to give out 8,000 pairs of socks, beanies, and youth jackets to schools across the country,” Nutter explained. “We nominated Edison—and they selected them. We were grateful they chose a school close to our hearts.”
Edison received 60 coats, 60 beanies, and 60 pairs of socks, each in varying sizes and colors to ensure the right fit for every child.
For Brodie, the generosity reflects what makes Ashland truly special.
“Ashland is such a giving community,” she said. “We partner with Appleseed, United Way, Associated Charities—so many local groups that step up for our kids. It truly takes a village. And today, our village showed up.”
Nutter hopes this is just the beginning.
“We’d love to do this again next year,” he said. “Maybe Edison, maybe Taft—spreading the help to as many schools as possible. We’re thankful Amazon made this possible, and we want to keep giving.”
For anyone telling Ashland’s stories, moments like this are powerful reminders of what makes this community extraordinary—especially during the holidays.
Because while Santa may get the spotlight, sometimes the real magic comes from a neighbor with a generous heart.
And this year, that magic was delivered straight to Edison Elementary—thanks to local Amazon hub driver Ben & Ashley Nutter.
***Special Thanks to the Edison Elementary School students who modeled the coats and hats for the pictures***
