monday's mulling: christmas spirit

In western Chicago, there is a preschool which provides educational programs for children with multiple disabilities - physical disabilities, health impairments, autism, severe/profound cognitive impairments and developmental delays. This school is specifically structured to help children with their milestones and struggles early on. 64% of the students are low income and 75% have IEPs (Individualized Education Plans). These young people have started their lives with some big strikes against them but in this building are the teachers who give their all, their hearts, to these children every day. This small school in the Chicago Public School system offers big services to give children a strong start in their education. Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is not financially sound. This where some Christmas angels step in to help one little school.

My daughter and son-in-law’s company has adopted this school and every year before the children go on their holiday break, through the employees’ generosity as well as that of friends, family, and the corporate office, they bring toys to each student and provide funds to the school and teachers for technology and classroom supplies. This year my daughter invited us to come to the school to watch the festivities.

My son-in-law dressed up as Santa and almost every child walked up to him to receive his or her gift. Some were timid, some were quite confident, some were downright scared but each child, regardless of the confidence level received a gift. After they got back to their seat, they opened their bag and smiles lit up the room.

Children and Christmas…it’s pure joy.