The Mostyn-Moreno Foundation opens the giving season early this year with their annual “Christmas Lights Program.” The Foundation organizes and funds a Christmas party for the Special Education Students of the Henderson, Tyler, Jacksonville, Athens and Whitehouse Independent School Districts.
Each student receives a $50 gift card from the foundation. The children are then taken to a retail store where they may spend their allowance as they desire, with math and social skills guidance from their instructors. Some students buy for themselves and others are amazing and want to buy for others. These students are served primarily in a full special education classroom due to significant disabilities and delays. It is truly an amazing day for all that get to participate.
Following their shopping spree, the students and their parents are taken to a special Christmas Lunch.
This special afternoon is capped by a surprise visit from Santa Claus. The schedule is below. To schedule an interview or ride along, please contact Jackie, jzigtema@hendersonisd.org or 903-721-4911.
December 2 | Jacksonville, Texas
We will take 87 special needs students to Wal-Mart about 9:30 am and begin our shopping- we will then go to The Chamber of Commerce Building in Jacksonville for a catered fajita lunch by Traditions restaurant. The day ends with a special visit by Santa.
December 7 | Whitehouse, Texas
We will go to Target about 10:00 am for our shopping with 60 students and then go to Traditions in Tyler for the luncheon about 11:00 am.
December 8 | Henderson, Texas
We will go to Wal-Mart in Henderson about 9:30 am for our shopping and then to First Baptist Church for our catered fajita lunch by Traditions. Santa will visit with carols.
December 13 | Athens, Texas
We will go to Wal-Mart about 9:30 am for our shopping and then to Lake Athens Marina for the luncheon about 11.00am Santa will also visit
December 14 | Tyler, Texas
We will go to Target about 9:30 am and shop. These students go to the snack bar for snacks.
About the Mostyn Moreno Foundation
The Foundation was created by Steve and Amber Mostyn to honor the memory of two caring and generous Texans: Glenda Jean Mostyn, mother, grandmother, sister and educator in East Texas and Texas State Representative Joe E. Moreno, son, brother, friend and legislator. Both cared very deeply about education and providing the best for children of Texas. The Glenda Jean Mostyn & Joe E. Moreno Foundation supports the Christmas Lights Program with organization and funding.