Special Needs Christmas in July 2024

Joy Center Christmas in July began as a small gathering of special needs adults at my home in July 2013. Our students, called VIPs, enjoyed a meal, music,games, and lesson, and each one was given presents consisting of donated items at the end of the party. Since then, we have grown from a handful of students to 23 VIPs, and instead of random donated items, each VIP receives $100 worth of gifts paid for through these fundraisers. By 2015, it was necessary to rent a venue for our growing number of guests and to accomodate their special needs. We began using gofundme that same year, and to our surprise, we have met or exceeded our goal each year since.

We want Jesus to always remain the focus of our parties, so we begin each party with prayer, and each VIP goes to lesson. Students then break off into rotation schedules similar to VBS and enjoy other activites such as games, crafts, photo props, and nails depending on their individual abilities. Games are also modified for each VIP. Students and guests then enjoy a meal, followed by door prizes for guests, but the real fun begins when Santa (and sometimes the Grinch) enter the building with presents for our special guys and dolls. Each VIP receives $100 worth of gifts from Santa himself. Each VIP must wait patiently for all VIP gifts to be passed out before they begin opening.

Our date for Christmas in July 2024 has not been officially set yet, but we will keep you udated. Our theme this year is How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The first $2300 raised will go directly to VIP gifts. Any remaining money goes toward venue, food, decorations, supplies, etc.

I would like to have the funds by June 1, 2024. This will give us enough time to purchase all gifts and have them wrapped and ready for our party. Having a special needs adult son myself, this party means the world to me! It has become my 'baby' and my fun 'project' each year, and I enjoy thinking of new ideas and ways to improve. I love watching these guys and dolls enjoy a carefree day where everything is focused around their needs and abilities. It is a carefree day for them where they are accepted and loved by so many.

I will never ask for donations. I simply put this page out there. Of all people, I have seen firsthand how things can change in a heartbeat. If you feel led to donate, we appreciate any and all donations regardless how small they may seem to you. Please never feel that your donation 'isn't much' or' you're sorry it isn't more.' We are grateful for each donation!

Thank you for allowing me to continue this tradition and for your support, whether it is through kind words, monetary donations, shares, or prayer.

Be blessed and be a blessing!

Acts 20:35