Arc's Santa brings smiles to needy kids

Two local needy families with children with disabilities were smiling this past holiday season as Santa Claus and his Ridge Area Arc elves delivered gifts, food and money.

Arc's Self-Advocacy Committee once again adopted two needy families for Christmas. This is the second year for this project. Each family has a child receiving services in the Early Steps Program with Children Medical Services.

"I don't know what it is, but I am drawn to the little boy named Otis. It must just be the name," said Elaine Simmons, of Sebring, who donated presents, hams and food items.

Little did Simmons know but it was more than the name. It was the spirit of Christmas which drew her to help a family in need. She had never met Otis or his family, but her gifts touched their lives deeply.

"I can't believe it," Teresa Pantoja said when she learned the group was going to deliver presents and food for the holiday. "I just lost my job and our food stamps have not even started yet. This is really a big help."

Pantoja, a single mom, lives with her older daughter Cassandra. She has another 12-year-old daughter Teresa and a 17-month-old boy Otis, who has Down syndrome.

The mother carefully held Otis in her arms to pose for a picture to give to Simmons. It was her way to say thanks for all that Simmons did.

Simmons herself has a brother, Hugh Sims, of Sebring, who has a disability.

The spirit flowed among others while handing out gifts.

"It was good to give them the presents since they have nothing," said Arc Self-Advocacy member Eva Monk.

The other family was Rosa Rodriguez, also a single mom, and her daughter Aashana, 7, and twins Ethan and Joshua, who are 18 months old and are developmentally delayed.

Each family received a ham, a large box of food items, Christmas presents for each family member and some cash. Santa went along to help with the deliveries and to visit with the kids. The deliveries were made on Dec. 22 in time for Christmas.

"I think it was OK to deliver the presents to the little kids. I feel good," said Arc Self-Advocacy member Jeffrey Crews. "At the first home the twins were a little shy and scared of Santa, but at the second house the little boy was not shy."

The Self-Advocacy Committee celebrated their good deeds afterward by going out to lunch.