The Caring Santa events provided families of special needs kids the chance to get a photo before five N.J. malls opened
ROCKAWAY -- It had been five years since Donovan Flood had a photo with Santa. For the 7-year-old, who has autism, the experience was just too overwhelming.
On Sunday, though, his mother Nicole Erencz brought Donovan to the "Caring Santa" event at Rockaway Townsquare mall, a photo session set aside to provide a low-stimulation environment for special needs children before the mall opened.
"I was up all night terrified he could not get a picture, " Erencz said. "Visiting Santa was a high stimulation event that was too much."
Erencz joined about 50 other families who got a chance to sit with Santa at the mall two hours before it opened to typical crush of holiday customers.
The Caring Santa event was organized by Autism Speaks, a national advocacy organization that worked with the Noerr Programs Corporation and Simon malls to bring Santa to 180 malls across the country on Sunday.
"Santa Claus is overwhelming and overstimulating for special needs children, the lights, crowds and noise is too much," said Karen McConnell, of Autism Speaks.
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The event was held at five New Jersey locations, including Cherry Hill Mall, Quaker Bridge Mall, Ocean County Mall, Voorhees Town Center and Rockaway Townsquare. Four of the five sold out in advance.
During Caring Santa, families are provided extra time with Santa, who has been specially trained to speak slowly and quietly, and wait for the perfect holiday photo.
"The smile on the kid's face is the best," said Santa.
Ed Murray may be reached at emurray@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Ed on Twitter at @EdMurrayphoto. Find NJ.COM on Facebook.