East Texas

By COSHANDRA DILLARD
Staff Writer

LINDALE -- Today's Winter Wonderland event in Lindale will not only kick off the holiday season, but allow special needs children the opportunity to participate in activities without feeling uncomfortable. A time will be reserved at the event between 9-11 a.m. for those children only. Thereafter, until 4 p.m., the general public is invited to a day of games, fun in the snow and food.

There will be sleigh rides, arts and crafts, photographs with Santa Claus and live Christian entertainment. People may also purchase Christmas trees from Plantation Farms at the event.

At least four tons of snow was shipped in from Austin Friday night to add to the festive occasion.

Through efforts of the nonprofit organization, LIFE'S PACE (Lindale Independent Fundraising Effort Supporting Public Acceptance of Christian Education), it is shedding a light on the obstacles special needs children face. Co-founders Krisi Hastings and Temprince Harris said Winter Wonderland will be an annual event.

The groups' mission to accommodate special needs children grew from a lack of understanding of the children's' situations.

"There are so many different kinds of special needs children and a lot cannot handle a large crowd," Ms. Hastings said.

"That is why we reserved these hours. We want them to be a little more comfortable in their surroundings and not be intimidated or scared."

Ms. Harris works as a special needs nurse at Joy Ministry within Grace Community Church of Lindale.

"Unless you have a special needs child, you are unaware of how they are left out," Ms. Harris said. "People are unaware of how these kids are unthought of."

Ms. Hastings said many groups across Texas were contacted about the event and they received a great response.

Texas Special Olympics agreed to participate and they will facilitate five events and a medal ceremony.

Next year, Texas Special Olympic officials will hold 12 events in Lindale.

Ms. Hastings said they expect at least 500 people, including the special needs children, to attend.

The group has even secured discounted rates at local hotels for families coming into Lindale this weekend.

"It's become so very special to us," Ms. Hasting said.

Tickets for some activities are $1 each and those who bring a blanket for the Lindale Christmas Helpers, a group that helps needy families, will receive five free activity tickets. Snow activities are $5.

In addition, some proceeds from visitors at Santa Land this weekend, located off of Interstate 20 near Lindale, will go toward Winter Wonderland, Ms. Hastings said.

Ms. Harris said members of LIFE'S PACE have worked hard since its inception in October.

"We've been very, very blessed that a group of Godly women have come and stepped it up," Ms. Harris said. "They have worked so hard and never complained. It's a God thing. It has worked only because his hand was in it."

Lindale's Winter Wonderland will be held at 200 E. Hubbard St., behind the Lindale Public Library. For more information contact Krisi Hastings at 903-330-2416 or Temprince Harris at 903-388-0118.