COLUMBIA, S.C. — With Christmas just around the corner, Santa Claus is preparing to visit children worldwide. On Friday, the big guy in red stopped to talk to some kids in South Carolina. Students at Brennen Elementary School who are deaf got a surprise visit from Signing Santa.
"I hope that our deaf students take home the feeling that they are loved," Santa said. "I hope other people take home the feeling of being more open-minded and what it means to just do some good in the world, especially now."
For over 20 years, the Richland Sertoma Club has sponsored the event, ensuring each student has a special gift from Santa.
"I remember the first one, and I was astounded watching the kids at this," Richland Sertoma Club President Pat Blackwell said. "It's just a great chance for them to get together for these kids and for our Santa as well."
Students were able to spend time with Santa, reading books and singing carols, all in American Sign Language.
Jenn Mulling teaches students in the deaf and hard of hearing program at Brennen and said she loves to see a Santa who can communicate with her students.
"The kids really enjoy, you know, I think it's the anticipation of waiting to see who's next who's next and Santa being able to sign their name," she said. "Name signs are very special in the deaf community; they can only be given to you by a deaf person, and so Santa being able to sign their names is very special to them."
Lesley Jeske's daughter, Alyssa, is one of the students in this program. Lesley is also hard of hearing and spoke through her interpreter.
"It's inspiring to her, Santa to come. I noticed that Alyssa feels happy that Santa cares for the deaf community enough to come to these kids," she said.