Schools
Early Christmas for Some Special Kids
The YWCA of Tampa Bay, Canterbury School and a motorcycle-driving Santa helped bring some holiday smiles to the faces of children with special needs.
ST. PETERSBURG – From the tiniest to the most rambunctious, Santa celebrated some special kids Saturday at the First United Methodist Church, where they received early gifts and well-wishes from community supporters.
The YWCA of Tampa Bay sponsored the event, inviting Santa's littlest elves to a party with sugar cookies, punch and gifts bundled in hefty red plastic bags.
The recipients were children who are homeless and living at the Y shelter, as well as youngsters with serious medical conditions that make them fragile and most in need of tender loving care.
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Families beamed and kids wore their Sunday best for this very special occasion, which included a hug and a photo on Santa's lap. The holiday party yielded a bounty of blessings for families: big boy bikes with training wheels, a plastic tea set, boxes of clothes.
About 135 children in all received holiday gifts Saturday, thanks to organizations that included the Canterbury School of Florida, as well as the generosity of long-term donors, including Phil and Diane Wasserman, who keep the gift drive going year after year.
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