Sensory Friendly Santa Autism Event
Donation protected
Sensory-Friendly Santa of Sayreville was established in 2015 to provide children with autism and other special needs an opportunity to meet Santa Claus in a quiet, comfortable, judgement-free zone; free from bright lights, loud sounds and crowds. The mall and other such places have too many distractions, noises, wait lines, and glaring eyes.
We felt no child should have to sit on the sidelines during this time honored tradition of meeting Santa Claus. At the time, Middlesex County had limited opportunities for this type of event and the ones that were found filled up immediately because the need was so great.
So… we had an idea! Let’s start our own! And we did!
To date 50 families from Sayreville and other surrounding towns were granted the opportunity to visit with Santa in a sensory friendly environment completely free of charge. Each family is able to pick their time to meet with Santa. Santa presents a gift to each child that is tailored to their interests and a beautiful photo (or ten) is taken of the magical meeting, at no cost to the family. The parents also receive a gift bag with treats for them to enjoy with the hope of giving them a chance to unwind, relax or have a special dinner with their family.
We also provide the children with allergy friendly snacks, a sensory / quiet area to relax in and our trusted therapy dog, Enya is on hand to help soothe any nerves.
In 2015 & 2016 we paired with an organization that funded the whole event. However, this year the organization can no longer participate in the event.
We have a location… We have Santa…
What we don’t have is funding!!!
Our event is set to go on Sunday, December 17th but we are in desperate need of sponsors to provide financial support to make this event possible.
ALL funds received will go directly towards the purchase of gifts for the children and, if possible, their families.
Please consider sponsoring a child for $25.00 or making a donation of your choosing to fund this magical event.
On behalf of the children that this event will serve, and their families, we THANK YOU for your support.
Sincerely,
Tina Kiernan & Susan Sprague-Lee
Santa's Little Helpers
We felt no child should have to sit on the sidelines during this time honored tradition of meeting Santa Claus. At the time, Middlesex County had limited opportunities for this type of event and the ones that were found filled up immediately because the need was so great.
So… we had an idea! Let’s start our own! And we did!
To date 50 families from Sayreville and other surrounding towns were granted the opportunity to visit with Santa in a sensory friendly environment completely free of charge. Each family is able to pick their time to meet with Santa. Santa presents a gift to each child that is tailored to their interests and a beautiful photo (or ten) is taken of the magical meeting, at no cost to the family. The parents also receive a gift bag with treats for them to enjoy with the hope of giving them a chance to unwind, relax or have a special dinner with their family.
We also provide the children with allergy friendly snacks, a sensory / quiet area to relax in and our trusted therapy dog, Enya is on hand to help soothe any nerves.
In 2015 & 2016 we paired with an organization that funded the whole event. However, this year the organization can no longer participate in the event.
We have a location… We have Santa…
What we don’t have is funding!!!
Our event is set to go on Sunday, December 17th but we are in desperate need of sponsors to provide financial support to make this event possible.
ALL funds received will go directly towards the purchase of gifts for the children and, if possible, their families.
Please consider sponsoring a child for $25.00 or making a donation of your choosing to fund this magical event.
On behalf of the children that this event will serve, and their families, we THANK YOU for your support.
Sincerely,
Tina Kiernan & Susan Sprague-Lee
Santa's Little Helpers
Organizer
Susan Sprague Lee
Organizer
South Amboy, NJ
