PITTSTON – Christmas is a magical time for most children. For others, Christmas festivities can be frightening.
The First Baptist Church, Water Street, has partnered with SAFE (Supporting Autism & Families Everywhere) and Brighter Journeys to hold a Sensitive Santa event for children who have autism or other disabilities that make it difficult for them to go to a mall or department store setting to visit with Santa.
“Sensitive Santa is for kids that have issues with crowds or noises or have difficulties with sensory overload,” said Jeannine Morrissey, organizer and coordinator of Sensitive Santa at the church. “In our setting, the kids come in, sit, they can have chocolate milk or cocoa and cookies and watch a movie or do some crafts. They can eventually visit with Santa and sit on his lap, or not, if they choose so.”
Children will get their photograph taken with Santa Claus, again if they choose to, and be given a coloring book and crayons to take home as a special gift from Santa.
Morrissey is the mother of 11-year old Liam Morrissey, who has a rare genetic disorder as well as autism and intellectual disabilities that cause him to have difficulty with loud noises and crowds.
The Morrisseys are congregants of the First Baptist Church where Jeannine felt a need for Sensitive Santa could be helpful for many in the community, including her son.
“This church is very accepting her and that’s why I felt it might be nice if we try Sensitive Santa here,” said Jeannine, a single mom.
Sensitive Santa will take place on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Morrissey wants to remind the public the event is for special needs children only.
If you have a special needs child who you may want to take part in Sensitive Santa, email Morrissey at Jeannine.Morrissey@gmail.com by Wednesday, Nov. 27 to reserve a spot.
