By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

ALABASTER – Santa Claus is scheduled to appear at Alabaster First United Methodist Church’s Restore building in early December to provide a sensory-friendly event for local individuals with special needs.

The Angel Warriors Foundation and The Autism Society of Alabama are presenting a free “sensory-friendly” Santa encounter for those with special needs and their immediate families. Santa will be available for pictures and his elves will be hosting crafts during the event.

The Santa’s Angels event will be held on Dec. 3, starting at 2 p.m. and ending at 5 p.m., at the Restore building, which is located at 10903 Alabama 119 in Alabaster.

“We are thrilled to provide a cherished holiday tradition for those families where a typical Santa encounter may present challenges,” said Jamia Alexander-Williams, president of the Angel Warriors Foundation. “This is the first year for the event, and we want to encourage our guests to visit our Facebook page and indicate ‘going’ to the event so Santa can plan accordingly.”

“Volunteers are needed to help our special guests have a great time. If you can help us for at least an hour or more, we promise you will have as much fun as our guests,” added Erika Zoebelein, who is helping to organize the event. “Volunteers can sign up via Sign-Up Genius at Facebook.com/AngelWarriorsFoundation.”

The Angel Warriors Foundation exists to help nurture individuals with special needs and multiple disabilities, so that they may realize their full potential and build their futures. We will help to improve the lives of these wonderful individuals by providing activities, excellent care with compassion and understanding and collaborating with community partners to provide resources. We will help to empower families and schools, as well as strengthen communities, to better meet the needs of these marvelous individuals.

For more information on the event, visit Facebook.com/AngelWarriorsFoundation.