News 12: ‘Tis the season: Santa makes official first stop at Helen Keller Services for the Blind
Thanks to National Grid, who generously donated and wrapped specially selected gifts, the kids at our Children’s Learning Center celebrated the holiday season early!
By Elly Morillo, News 12
December 15, 2023
Male Newscaster: Christmas is officially less than two weeks away now, and although Santa is kind of busy getting everything in order, he still made some room for a pit stop at the Helen Keller Services for the Blind in downtown Brooklyn today. That’s where News 12’s Elly Morillo was. She’s got more on the annual Christmas celebration. It’s guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit.
Elly Morillo: Santa’s made a list and before checking it twice, some very special kids at Helen Keller Services for the Blind got to walk away with the official first batch of presents today.
Santa: Ho, Ho, Ho, Merry Christmas!
Elly Morillo: Toys were donated and wrapped by volunteers from National Grid for nearly 50 kids. An annual celebration, Principal Dr Avien Henry says, fuels immense gratitude.
Principal Dr Avien Henry: There are some academic toys as well as some sensory-based toys because we do have a lot of kiddos within our center that have autism spectrum disorders. So we want to make sure we’re catering to the whole child with the presents that we are providing for them.
Elly Morillo: Take a look behind me here. The Christmas joy is definitely being felt and I just got word from Santa himself that all of these kids are on the good list this year, not only going home with one but two or three presents to open on Christmas morning. A very special occasion for Gus. Well, I mean, Santa.
Gus: At the end of the day, I stood up to go back to my office and I’m blind so I use a cane. And I overheard his mom tell him, “James, look, Santa has a cane just like you.”
Elly Morillo: And a reminder to be your best elf.
Gus: It’s the time that we get to be kind to each other. I wish it was more frequent, but certainly, it’s nice to have at least one time during the year where we’re nice to each other.
Elly Morillo: In downtown Brooklyn, Elly Morillo, News 12.
[End of Transcript]
Santa’s made a list and before checking it twice, he made an official first stop at Helen Keller Services for the Blind in Downtown Brooklyn on Friday.
Toys were donated and wrapped by volunteers from National Grid for nearly 50 kids. It’s an annual celebration Principal Dr. Avien Henry says fuels immense gratitude.
“There are some academic toys, as well as some sensory-based toys because we do have a lot of kiddos within our center that have autism spectrum disorders. So, we want to make sure we we’re catering to the whole child with the presents that we are providing for them,” said Dr. Henry.
News 12’s Elly Morillo spoke with Santa himself and shares why this occasion hits so close to home for many.
