Santa Claus is coming to town a little early this season, making a private appearance at the Smith Family Farms in Brentwood, courtesy of the Special Kids Foundation. The second annual Visit with Santa will be held on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 9:30 to 11 a.m.
On that morning, Smith Farms will be closed to the public for two hours while special-needs children and their families enjoy a one-on-one reception and photo opportunity with The Jolly Old Elf.
Lisa McBride, founder of the Special Kids Foundation, said the farm offers families an environment uniquely their own. What's great about this event, said McBride, is that families and kids can have a calm and quiet outing that is just for them. Sometimes the bright lights of a mall or a crowded event are overwhelming for our kids. This is a safe and peaceful place for them, and us, to be together.
The event, which includes a free 4x6 photo with Santa, also offers families a chance to stroll through the farm and visit the resident chickens, turkeys and colorful peacocks. There will also be bales of hay to climb or sit on, and rows of freshly cut Christmas trees to view.
It's a wonderful day for everyone, and we are particularly grateful to the Smith family for providing us with such a wonderful venue, said McBride. It's a fabulous way to start the season.
The Special Kids Foundation is a nonprofit organization offering support, friendship and resources to special-needs children and their families in East County. McBride, the mother of an autistic son, founded the group as a way to help meet the varying and growing requirements of the special-needs population. The foundation has recently joined forces with the Mt. Diablo Region YMCA in Oakley to build a special-needs playground and adjoining facility on the YMCA's campus.
For more information on the Visit with Santa, call 925-516-9690 or visit the Web site at www.spkids.org. Smith Family Farms is located at 4400 Sellers Road in Brentwood.
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