Mindy Dawson is from Capon Bridge, West Virginia. Her son Joshua has autism. Mindy Dawson is an Autism Light because she is the organizer of a Sensitive Santa event for children with autism at the Apple Blossom Mall in Winchester, West Virginia.
Mindy Dawson first organized a Sensitive Santa Event last year so her son Joshua and other children in her community, who have sensory issues associated with autism, would have an opportunity to visit Santa at a special event apart from the loud crowds and lights. The event is managed by all volunteers who have a heart for helping children with autism in the Christmas season.This year's Sensitive Santa Event will be held on Sunday, December 11, 2011 from 9-10am at the Apple Blossom Mall in Winchester, West Virginia before the mall opens for regular hours. The Apple Blossom Mall is located at 1850 Apple Blossom Drive, Winchester, West Virginia 22601. Anyone may bring a child with autism at this time to meet Santa. The mall event website is asking people to enter the building for this special event through the doors at the mall food court, since the mall will not be open for regular shopping.
For more information on the Sensitive Santa Event contact Mindy Dawson at 540-931-8662 or email mindydawson@citlink.net.
Jessica Wiant wrote an excellent article on Mindy Dawson's passion for this event that is found on the NVDaily.com Website.
Special thanks to Mindy Dawson for taking the leadership to bring a Sensitive Santa to Apple Blossom Mall. Wouldn't it be great if there were one of these events in hundreds of cities across the world by next year.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.
The Photo of Santa in this post is in the Public Domain.
This Autism Light post went into syndication at Autisable.
Mindy is a very good friend of mine and she is a wonderful mother!! Not only does she care for Joshua and all of his special needs, but she also cares for her daughter, Emily, is a troop leader for Emily's Girl Scout troop, and works full time. Mindy is so loving and caring, but also has a great support system in her husband, her parents, and Joshua's aide thru school, Sherrie....We as her friends also try to help her as much as we can. We celebrate their triumphs and dry tears when there are setbacks.... She is certainly a terrific person with an always positive attitude! Love you sis!
ReplyDeleteDoing this Event again this year. This year is Sunday, December 9, 2012 at Apple Blossom Mall in Winchester, VA from 9-10am. Spread the word.
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