Caring Santa visits Kennewick mall
In recognition of the different needs of local children, the Columbia Center Mall holds a ‘Caring Santa’ day one Sunday in the middle of the holiday season. This year's event took place on December 7.
The mall holds the day in recognition of the fact that for some children, the thought of meeting Santa and delivering a holiday wish list to him is a cause for excitement and joy. For others, however, the idea of meeting might be a little unsettling, and that the hustle and bustle of a busy mall might be overwhelming for some children.
The event was designed for children with special needs and disabilities. To let parents know about days like this, the mall can use poster printing and hang the posters throughout the shopping center and community in advance.
During ‘Caring Santa’, the mall is only open to children who have made a reservation. The organizers strive to make a safe and welcoming environment for the children, by shutting off the water fountains and the music. The goal is to help children enjoy their visit with Santa without feeling overwhelmed by noise or distracted by the lines or crowds.
Nancy Rogers brought her grandson to the event this year. She told NBC/KNDO that the event gives her grandson the chance to spend time with Santa without the usual crowds.
The mall holds the day in recognition of the fact that for some children, the thought of meeting Santa and delivering a holiday wish list to him is a cause for excitement and joy. For others, however, the idea of meeting might be a little unsettling, and that the hustle and bustle of a busy mall might be overwhelming for some children.
The event was designed for children with special needs and disabilities. To let parents know about days like this, the mall can use poster printing and hang the posters throughout the shopping center and community in advance.
During ‘Caring Santa’, the mall is only open to children who have made a reservation. The organizers strive to make a safe and welcoming environment for the children, by shutting off the water fountains and the music. The goal is to help children enjoy their visit with Santa without feeling overwhelmed by noise or distracted by the lines or crowds.
Nancy Rogers brought her grandson to the event this year. She told NBC/KNDO that the event gives her grandson the chance to spend time with Santa without the usual crowds.