By Elijah Mangum
On Assignment
The Little Lighthouse of Central Mississippi held their annual Christmas party for their children and families on Thursday.
“The Little Lighthouse of Central Mississippi is a developmental center for children with special needs ages birth throught six,” said Little Lighthouse Director Fran Patterson. “This is our 17th year. We are a non-profit. We are completely tuition free. None of our families pay for our services. Right now, We serve 40 children with multiple types of disabilities and we are a Christian center. We’re completely self-sustaining through fundraising, grant writing and community support.”
The children, parents, and staff were encouraged to wear Christmas pajamas.
Santa Claus greeted the kids early into the party. He joined Yellow room teacher Pam McCord in the reading of “Jesus, Me, and My Christmas Tree”.
After storytime, there was a Christmas singalong.
Each child had the chance to meet Santa and received personalized gifts.
Santa was so moved by these children that he even got emotional at times.
“God does not make junk. He makes special angels and gives them to special families. They take me and love me unconditionally. That is why I came here,” said Santa.
There were also snacks and crafts for the families to enjoy.
The Little Lighthouse is based at Christ United Methodist Church in Jackson.
