Festive Fun for Special Needs Kids at Holiday Party

Families of children with special needs are once again invited to come out for the township recreation department's annual holiday party this weekend at the rec center.

Director Theresa Miller said the rec department began hosting the party in 2007 to give Moorestown's special needs children a fun outlet. At that time, there were no events of any kind for the town's special needs population.

"We want to give them as much as we can and as much opportunity as we can to let them enjoy themselves," she said, adding that the holiday party has benefited the parents as much as the children.

It provides a great opportunity for parents of special needs kids to network with each other, Miller said. "Friendships have started through this."

Since the inception of the holiday party, the recreation department has expanded the number of events for special needs children to once-a-month gatherings, but "this is kind of our big one," Miller said of the holiday celebration.

The event is open to anyone: children, parents, grandparents, teachers, cousins, etc. There will be a DJ, a guest appearance from Santa Claus, games and prizes for the kids, pizza and refreshments and more. Parents are encouraged to bring a gift to the party, as well as a side dish or dessert to share.

Anyone wishing to attend the party is encouraged to pre-register by Friday. The cost is $3 per person, $10 per family—though Miller said they'll take walk-ins and no one will be turned away. To register, visit www.moorestownrec.com.

The party starts at 1 p.m. Sunday (Dec. 9) on the third floor of the Church Street Recreation Center. 

For more information or to volunteer to help, contact Miller at tmiller@moorestown.nj.us or call 856-914-3093.