LUMBERTON — Squeals of excitement and chatter filled the air Wednesday afternoon as children with special needs opened gifts during a visit by Santa Claus at L. Gilbert Carroll Middle School.
“It is Christmas!” said Teacher Assistant Joanne Hunt.
Hunt has witnessed the annual event at the school with all of its magic for about five years.
Hunt said watching the children receive gifts and hearing them cheer with delight is “special to watch.”
She spoke of one student who celebrated Wednesday afternoon as she opened her gift of a doll she had been asking about. Tears came to Hunt’s eyes.
“This is what it’s about,” she said.
Students enjoyed a story from Santa and refreshments provided on Wednesday.
“It just warms your heart,” said Charlotte Scott, a speech therapist at Allison Speech Solutions, which provides services at the school. “The expressions on their face (and) their excitement.”
“This is the centerpiece of my Christmas every year when we do this,” said EC Teacher Victoria Wallace, who helps coordinate the event each year.
Wallace also extended a special thanks to Burnt Swamp Baptist Association, which donated $2,100 so that 21 children with special needs at the school could receive gifts this year.
“Every year they come through for these kids,” Wallace said.
Wallace spoke of the impact of the donations, stating that they help families in need.
Terri Ridell, an Extended Content Standards teacher at the school, is working through her first year in the Public Schools of Robeson County and experienced the event for the first time.
“I would say this whole experience has been wonderful,” she said. “I cannot believe the community support and a special thank you to the Burnt Swamp Baptist Association.”
