GRETNA, La. — Friday, Santa Claus made a special appearance in Gretna. With just about two weeks left until Christmas, Mr. Claus has made his list and he's checked it twice and all the kids at St. Michael Special School are on it.
So, he asked them Friday at the Resurrection Life HOPE Outreach Teddy Bear Tea what they wanted for Christmas.
"I met Santa and it was really good he’s really good Santa. I’m on the list," Sam, a student at St. Michael's said. "[I asked for] a phone."
It's the second year of the event. Organizers of the Teddy Bear Tea held on the Westbank, say they want to help bring the arts to kids.
"We started last year, just with maybe a thought that it could work," Cynthia Hunter, an organizer said. "I was so touched they touched my heart I told my husband when we got home, I don’t care if not another good thing happens to me my heart’s full. I knew we had to do everything we could to keep doing this."
Teddy Bear Teas happen all over the metro during the holiday season, but organizers say this one is meant to be more inclusive and affordable.
They do it at a number of hotels across the New Orleans area but it’s really generally a more stoic experience, and it’s much much more expensive, and we wanted it to be something that little boys would like as well as little girls.
So instead of giving them tea sandwiches we give them little candy treats and sandwiches kids will enjoy," Hunter.
Friday was definitely not a stoic experience. The kids were 'fa-la-loving' the sweet treats and rocking around to Christmas music. Laurel Alonso with the St. Michael's Special School says seeing her students in a 'holly jolly' mood, made the season extra festive.
"It’s the best part of the job the academics are so important. We love to see student growth but when we get to get out and be our most authentic selves that’s when we really shine and it’s really nice to be here today," Alonso said.
Tickets for next weekend's time slots for Teddy Bear Tea are still available. You can contact Cynthia Hunter for tickets and more information at 504-210-5202.
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