FALCON — Even with this year posing a bit of a challenge to your family’s normal visit with Santa, one group is still making it their mission to make sure every kid has the same opportunity to tell him their wishlist--themselves.
Volunteers with the Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind are driving a Santa who uses sign language to meet up with their students across the state.
As Max Wilding pins up decorations on Santa’s bus, he can’t help but think how the kids will react
“Their eyes just glow,” he said.
He does this all for the students at the Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind, where he was once a student.
“We try to think of something best to be able to provide spirit to our children,” Wilding said.
Growing up, it was always hard to find a Santa who used sign language.
“When you go to different stores or centers there’s usually a hearing Santa, so of course for our students who are deaf and want to communicate there is not that communication,” he said.
That’s where he stepped in.
“We’re calling this now, the curbside Holiday bus,” he said.
The bus, which is complete with a sign language-using Santa, is making the rounds across the state.
“We also hit Pueblo and Denver last week, so this week we’re doing Colorado Springs,” he said.
They’re doing it not only to spread some socially distant Christmas cheer, but also to ensure every kid gets to experience the joy of sharing their wishes with the big man himself.
“We give them candy, hot chocolate, be able to snap some pictures with Santa,” he said. “They’re able to sign, which is their first language, with Santa.”
And as he keeps pinning those decorations, he keeps wondering… how will they react this time?
“When they see his words, it’s so nice to see the spirit that they have,” he said. “I really can’t explain how each of the kids react, but very excited to see.”
Below is Santa’s schedule for the final two day of his tour.
Tuesday 12/15
North East Colorado Springs Area
Walmart on Hwy 24 @ 4 pm
11550 Meridian Market View 80831
Church for All Nations @ 5:30 pm
6540 Templeton Gap Rd. 80923
Wednesday 12/16
Central and West Colorado Springs Area
Coronado High School @ 4 pm (This stop has been canceled)
1590 W. Fillmore St. 80904
80904, 80919, 80907
Wells Fargo Bank @ 5:30 pm
5190 N. Academy Blvd 80918
80917 & 80918
Sportsman’s Warehouse @ 7 pm
555 N. Chelton Rd. 80909
