LaGRANGE — Santa Claus on Saturday made a quick visit to the Mike Patton Auto dealership on Lafayette Parkway.

It may not have been the jolly man himself, but several “helper elves” dropped off donated toys for the boys and girls living at the Emmaus Shelter.

In return, employees of Mike Patton Auto cleaned and shined nearly 70 cars belonging to those those folks who are spreading Christmas cheer to those in need.

“Our company is about more than selling and servicing new and used cars,” explained Chris Patton, CEO/owner of Mike Patton Auto. “Our mission is to honor God through impacting the lives of our employees, customers and community.”

Patton said this is the second year the dealership has done a fundraiser at Christmas time for the Emmaus Shelter.

Last year, employees conducted a blanket drive, spearheaded by fellow colleague Mario Green. According to Patton, when Green delivered the blankets to the shelter he was shocked to discover the number of homeless children living there.

“He came back and convinced us to host a car wash to benefit Emmaus,” Patton stated. “He recruited 20-plus of our employees to give up their Saturday in order to be the labor for the car wash. He then passed out flyers to raise awareness of the event. He added a twist that encouraged people to bring toys as donations to pay for their cars to be washed.

“We are proud to support the work done by the Emmaus Shelter,” Patton continued. “They work hard day in and day out to bring hope to those who are homeless or displaced. Jessica David and the whole staff there are dedicating their lives to serve to those who need it the most.”

“The investment of the Mike Patton Auto Family in faith-based charities and especially the Emmaus Shelter is so valuable,” said Jessica David, executive director of the shelter. “This effort … perpetuates the circle of care through the year to even insure Christmas for the older kids too.

“The Pattons are dedicated to spreading the gospel, and are faithful to feed the hungry and shelter the homeless per God’s command. This special effort where employees, including the Patton brothers, wash the cars themselves is an annual culmination of their kind and dedicated hearts … Thanks to everyone who came out with a toy or donation.”

David explained the shelter is looking for gifts for all shelter members, from babies up to adults — both boys and girls, men and women.

Anyone interested in helping the Emmaus Shelter fill the stockings of everyone in their shelter can visit the GoFundMe page at gofundme.com/emmausshelter or call Jessica David at 706-883-7471.