Community Corner
Special-Needs Children Experience Holiday Magic on 'Caring Santa' Day
Unique visits with Santa at Stanford Shopping Center created for youngsters who may otherwise miss out.
Fountains are turned off. Lights are turned down. Escalators stopped.
In short, the holiday hubbub will be scaled back at Stanford Shopping Center's annual "Caring Santa" event, so families with special-needs children can enjoy the tradition, magic and joys of the holidays.
Stanford Shopping Center is among more than 100 Simon Property malls nationwide offering families with special-needs members the Noerr Programs' "Caring Santa" experience -- a few hours for visits and photos with Santa in an accommodating, sensitive atmosphere.
This year at the Stanford mall, the special-needs event is planned for Sunday, Dec. 8 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Such stress-inducers as lines to see Santa are replaced with a number system -- an easier format for the kids, organizers said.
Arts, crafts, stories and snacks -- geared for the audience -- are planned.
"We make sure every child walks away with a smile on their face and something really special in their hand," said Julie Kelly, marketing director of the Stanford Shopping Center.
Last year, 28 area families participated.
A video highlighting the "Caring Santa" program can be viewed here.
Stanford Shopping Center is located at 660 Stanford Shopping Center in Palo Alto.
