MY TIME WITH
O
Santa
n the first Saturday in December, you can find
Santa and some of his special elves at the St.
Johns County School District’s Evelyn Hamblen
Center. The day starts with more than 40 dedicated
volunteers who arrive before sunrise and leave just in
time for dinner with their families.
This year marks the district’s third annual “My Time
with Santa,” an event designed specifically for students
with disabilities who are unable to enjoy a typical visit
with Santa due to the overwhelming noise and crowds.
At “My Time with Santa” these barriers are removed.
Families are given a scheduled arrival time and all
volunteers are experienced in working with students
with disabilities.
Upon arrival, students and families are welcomed by
staff secretaries and each child receives coloring books
and crayons as well as a cuddly holiday-themed blanket.
They get to play games, try their hand at “North Pole Ice
Fishing” and choose prizes, then enjoy that all-important
visit with Santa! Every child is given a toy chosen
especially for him/her and professional family pictures
with Santa are taken. It’s a joy to see the students and
families depart with a special keepsake photo, gifts and
happy smiles.
The spirit of giving in St. Johns County School District is
all around apparent by the time and dedication of the
staff at the Gaines Alternative and Transition School led
by Principal Tish McMahon.
In addition, a special “Santa’s Milk and Cookies Corner”
is served by the St. Johns County School District Food
and Nutrition Service Department which prepares treats
to accommodate special dietary restrictions. Several
school cafeteria managers volunteer their time to bake
hundreds of beautiful holiday cookies to be served to
the guests. District office secretaries use their lunch time
hours to wrap gifts, and school maintenance managers
transport gifts and supplies to the Evelyn Hamblen
Center in time for the big day.
“My Time with Santa” would not be possible without
the sponsorship of Schoolhouse Products, Inc., Walmart
and Leonard’s Studios. Their generosity truly reflects the
spirit of the holiday season and their commitment to the
students of St. Johns County.
Since “My Time with Santa” is not open to the public,
participating students are nominated by special
education teachers. School district staff coordinate
business partners and sponsors, so no district dollars are
spent on this event.
S T. J O H N S parent M A G A Z I N E | 19