Santa Cares for Children With Special Needs at Area Malls

Santa Cares is a great event that helps make magical memories for children with special needs and their families. AbilityPath.org and The Noerr Programs will host private photo sessions exclusively for families of children with special needs this Sunday, December 7 from 9:00-11:00 am. at the Galleria at Crystal Run and the Poughkeepsie Galleria.

According to Ability Path, these photo sessions offer an environment that supports the childrens' sensory, physical and developmental needs. It takes place prior to regular mall hours to lessen behavioral triggers associated with malls at this bustling season of the year. They create a calmer atmosphere by turning down the lights, turning off the music and fountains, and allowing families to sit in a waiting area instead of in line.  These adjustments provide a calmer sensory-friendly environment and allow children and their families to have their own special magical moment with Santa.

The Santa Cares event will take place at Center Court in the Poughkeepsie Galleria and at the Santa Photo Experience in JC Penney Court at the Galleria at Crystal Run, as a result of a partnership between AbilityPath.org, a national online resource hub and special needs community and The Noerr Programs, a leading marketing and digital imaging company providing the Santa and Bunny Photo Experience at malls nationwide.

The private event begins at 9:00 a.m. and continues until 11:00 a.m. at both the Poughkeepsie Galleria and the Galleria at Crystal Run when each mall opens to the general public. Families are encouraged to RSVP prior to the event at Abilitypath.org.

 In addition to a numbering system, social stories, and activities to avoid waiting in line, participating families will be able to receive four complimentary Christmas photo cards with their purchase of a Santa’s Favorite Photo Package during the event.

Here's a behind the scenes peek at how much The Noerr Programs pay attention to every detail of Santa.

Please help spread the word about this very special program to give every child a chance to visit with Santa.