iReporter
 
20
25
38
51
39

For more than 15 years, The Warren Center, a nonprofit agency providing professional evaluations, therapy services and support to children with developmental delays and disabilities, has welcomed children and their families to celebrate the season in a sensory-friendly way with the specialized event, Operation Santa. This year, Operation Santa will take place on December 9 from 1:30 pm-4pm at Venue Forty/50,  located at 4050 Beltline Road, Addison, TX 75001.

“We know that for some of the children at The Warren Center, many of whom have autism, a busy environment can often feel hostile. The sensory elements associated with standing in line for Santa with other children, frantic parents, mall noise and flashing cameras can all prove too much for a child with autism. So, for 15 years, we have created a comfortable environment for the children and families to enjoy this holiday rite of passage with their favorite bearded icon,” says Amy Spawn, Executive Director of The Warren Center. “We will have donated toys, holiday games, food and fun in an environment that is dedicated to the needs of the children.”

One in 68 kids in the U.S. has autism, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The need for events and programs that the Warren Center provides is increasing while government funding is decreasing at an alarming rate.

Through November 30th, toy drives are being hosted by local businesses and community offices in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. At each of these locations, new, unwrapped toys for children birth to six years-old are being collected to be distributed at The Warren Center’s Operation Santa holiday party.  Community members can help bring joy to a child this holiday season by:

  • Dropping off new, unwrapped toys for children ages birth to six years-old at one of The Warren Center's three office locations. Click here for our office locations: https://bit.ly/2CNRDne
  • Hosting a toy drive for The Warren Center at a local company or organization's office.
  • Purchasing toys through The Warren Center's Amazon Wish List  using this link: http://a.co/3kFhTjn

Toy ideas include puzzles, building blocks, stuffed animals, trucks, dolls, developmental board games and arts and crafts sets. All toys will be collected through November 30, 2018. For more information please call 972-490-9055.