Santa Delivers Gifts and Good Cheer

It’s often the little things that can lift a young person’s spirits, and a visit from Santa Claus truly brightened the lives of PILC students in December.

Santa, who looked a bit like T.J. Gilbreath, shared hugs and photos with YES students.
Dressed all in fur from his head to his foot, Santa paused from busy Christmas preparations to visit the Center’s Youth Encountering Success after school program. While trying to avoid early detection by sneaking in the back door, Santa was spotted by Nikki who grabbed the first hug. But excitement still reigned as he greeted the others, “Ho, ho, ho…Merry Christmas boys and girls!”

For the YES students, Santa’s visit was a nice break from lessons about transitioning from high school. The after-school program offers motivational speakers, team-building exercises and life skills activities under the direction of Youth Coordinator Cynthia Pacheco. Any teenager with a disability is welcome to attend the meetings held twice each month.

Santa spoke a few words, then went straight to his work – passing out gifts to each student there. He took time to ask everyone about their Christmas wishes, then offered his knee for traditional pictures. Then we heard him exclaim as he walked out of sight, “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night.

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