Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Warsaw's Man In Red Embodies Holiday Spirit

In Warsaw, Santa Claus isn't the only jolly man in red who's spreading joy and making a difference this holiday season!

Brian Heisler has made a name for himself as a holiday fixture at Tops Friendly Market, where he volunteers his time as a Salvation Army bell ringer.

For the past five winters, Brian has donned the familiar red apron up to three days a week.  Accompanied by Arc of Livingston-Wyoming Habilitation Specialist Richy Campbell, Brian mans the red collection kettle as a way to give back to his local community, where the money is used to help people in need.

Brian, who lives in an Arc-operated house in Warsaw, takes pride that all of the money he helps to raise will be used locally in Wyoming County.

"It feels good when people fill up the kettle," Brian says.  "I've had moms donate together with their tiny kids.  Sometimes they think I'm Santa Claus, which brings a smile to their faces."

Because the contents of the kettle are kept under lock and key, it's hard to know exactly how much money this surrogate Santa collects during any given shift—but "that kettle is pretty heavy by the time we're through," he says.

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

You're Invited to Breakfast with Santa, December 13th at KidStart!


Breakfast with Santa


Saturday, December 13, 2014 ~ 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
KidStart (5871 Groveland Station Road, Mount Morris, NY)
A FREE Community Event ~ Driving Directions Here ~ Register Here

Good old Saint Nick will pull double duty on Saturday, December 13th at The Arc of Livingston-Wyoming's "Breakfast With Santa," to be held at KidStart, 5871 Groveland Station Road in Mt. Morris.

The festive family event includes two sessions: children 12 and younger can dine with Santa at 8:30 am, while older kids and adults with disabilities can visit with Kris Kringle at 10:30 am.

Both sessions will include food and drink, crafts, face-painting, caroling, and individual visits with Santa Claus.  Don't forget to bring a camera!

Breakfast with Santa is free and open to the public.  Children must be accompanied by a parent or other adult guardian.  Families are encouraged to donate a non-perishable food item to benefit local families in need through KidStart's backpack program.

Reserve your spot online or by contacting Arc of Livingston-Wyoming Public Relations Coordinator Tina Sick at (585) 658-2828 or tsick@lwarc.org by Monday, December 8th.