Christmas came early to Macon Citizens Habilities this year with a visit from Franklin High School’s Future Business Leaders of America last Friday.
Every year at the peak of the holiday season, students in FBLA assemble a collection of Christmas gifts for the citizens with special needs who frequent the programs at Habilities. Last year, the tradition hit a snag with COVID-19 in full force and the first vaccines still on the way, so teacher Michelle Brooks pivoted to a different setup where the kids mostly stayed home, a smaller group brought the gifts, and the interaction was shifted to a menagerie of farm animals. This year, COVID restrictions have relaxed quite a bit, and students were excited to make their comeback.
“Just like in other years, they didn’t have to be here,” Brooks said. “The ones who didn’t have a test today, they came back to school this afternoon just to do this.”
Drivers on Lake Emory Road could see around 100 people celebrating in the picnic area outside Habilities, both to minimize close contact and to enjoy the unseasonably mild weather. The gifts ran the gauntlet from holiday-themed snacks to board games and puzzles to personal care products and everything in between. Getting a Christmas gift is always a nice surprise, but for clients at Habilities, the best part is the time spent with other members of their community.
“It means a lot to our clients,” said Shannon Austin, a supervisor for Macon Citizens Enterprises. “They count down the days all year long.”
Students who participate in the visit every year say that it’s a good way to gain perspective on the spirit of the season. They spend weeks shopping for someone, putting in a lot of time and thought during what’s already a hectic time of year, but it makes their day when they see somebody’s face light up because of the work they put in.
“It’s just really sweet,” said Luke Vanhook, an FBLA member who is running for office in the state organization. “No matter how big or small the gift is, we can do something that makes their Christmas. It’s heartwarming to see.”
The students and their teachers hope this tradition will continue and expand for years to come – if COVID is finally under control by next Christmas, hopefully they can start bringing multiple busloads of students like they did when the tradition was new.
“If you just go one time, if you just give it one chance, it’ll be one of the greatest blessings you’ll ever get,” teacher Heather McClure said.
For more information on Macon Citizens Habilities programs, call 828-524-5888 or visit www.maconcitizens.org.