December 11, 2018: Santa needs a break sometimes too and local businesses and donors took over Santa’s list to gather gifts for kids and adults with disabilities that attend Special Kids Special Families (SKSF) programs.  Every year, SKSF throws a holiday party to over 300 program participants, their siblings and their families celebrating them by passing out gifts, participating in fun craft projects and sharing in a potluck lunch.  This annual tradition wouldn’t be possible without the help and support of area Colorado Springs businesses and generous donors.  Dedicated businesses like NuStar Energy secured the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) local union #113 facility to hold the event in addition to volunteering time and donating gifts.  Other area companies like Koscove Metal, Progressive Insurance, Warren Management Group, Berwick Electric, Harding Nursery, RPS Healthcare, & CB Insurance have all stepped in to purchase and wrap gifts for children with physical, emotional and intellectual disabilities from Zach’s Place; adults with disabilities who participate in adult service programs and the children in foster care placements through the organization’s agency.

SKSF Board Member and NuStar leadership staff, John Butts stated, “We support Special Kids Special Families all year long and we take great pleasure for being a part of this holiday tradition year after year.  It’s a very special day for all of us!”

Special Kids Special Families supports people with disabilities with an emphasis on respite care.  “Families and parents need a break sometimes from the 24/7 care that may be required raising a child with disabilities.  Zach’s Place and our other programs for adults provide this break,” says Linda Ellegard, SKSF Executive Director.  During this holiday season, visit SKSF’s website at SKSFcolorado.org and learn more about Zach’s Place and other programs supporting individuals with disabilities and ways YOU can help!