Children's Center at UCP Suffolk Brings Rockefeller Center to Students With Disabilities

The Children’s Center at United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Suffolk Inc. brought Rockefeller Center to its students this holiday season. The school hosted a tree lighting ceremony with a special visit from Santa on Friday, December 11, 2015.

Principal Sherri Glazer said that it is difficult for students to attend events like the Rockefeller Tree Lighting due to limitations, but this year students enjoyed a spectacular event that was just as fun.

“Rockefeller Center has nothing on us,” Glazer told her overjoyed students as the tree was lit.

Students had an opportunity to place their handmade ornaments on the tree and then staff, students and parents counted down to light the tree. This was followed by individual pictures and personal time with Santa. Snacks were served and each student received a toy of their choice. Local artist Mel Moran serenaded the crowd with acoustic versions of holiday songs during the event.

“The Children’s Center Tree Lighting was a huge success,” Glazer said. “This event supported our students’ independence and functional movement as well as supporting them with positioning while getting the perfect picture with Santa. I want to thank the Patchogue Rotary and the Gutierrez Family for sponsoring the event. Thank You to Mel Moran and to Edward Friedman who played Santa and donated the toys to the school.”

The Children’s Center is a comprehensive educational program designed to meet the needs of students with developmental delays and disabilities from infancy through 21 years of age. The program operates through funding provided by the New York State Department of Education and the New York State Department of Health.