An event Sunday morning at Summit Mall purposely didn’t include bright lights, ringing bells, holiday music or long lines.
In fact, that was the attraction for the families. The fourth-annual Caring Santa event, hosted by the Autism Society of Greater Akron and Summit Mall, allowed families with children who are autistic or with any different ability and their siblings to come to the mall before it opened to visit Santa and enjoy some holiday cheer.
The event, which this year was expanded to two dates and both of which are sold out, allows families to take a portrait with Santa Claus, ride the holiday train for free, or enjoy other crafts and activities. The mall stores were not open, so the mall was relatively quiet, except for a few mall walkers.
The loud holiday speaker music that could be heard in the Food Court area was turned off or barely audible in the Caring Santa area.
Sixteen-year-old Steven Campbell of Barberton was happily riding the holiday train multiple times.
His mother, Linda Campbell, said Steven asks for the “Santa Claus train” every year. He and his 13-year-old sister, Emma, have attended for three years.
Campbell and other parents at the event said on normal occasions, they would not bring their children with autism to the mall because the crowds and lines are too overwhelming.
Campbell choked up as she explained why she loved the yearly Santa event.
“Nobody looks at him differently. Everybody is compassionate,” she said.
Amber Vojtush of Northfield has also been bringing her 6-year-old twins, Andrew and Addison, for three years.
For Andrew, who is autistic, being able to come to the Caring Santa and Caring Easter Bunny event is special, said his mother.
Santa “takes his time with them,” said Vojtush.
For his part, Santa said the Caring Santa event is his favorite of the seven weeks he is on duty at the mall.
Santa said he remains very calm and “you can’t let anything rattle you. Talk slow and give them all the confidence. It’s always very rewarding.”
Lisa Thompson, program coordinator for the Autism Society of Greater Akron, said the organization has been told that the Summit Mall Caring Santa does the best of all Simon properties.
She attributes some of that to the actual Caring Santa, who has partnered with the society for four years.
Thompson said last year, there was one boy who didn’t want to go up to see Santa, but eventually started dancing on the side.
“Santa saw him out of the corner of his eye and got up and started dancing,” said Thompson.
Santa said he watches what’s going on around him.
“They’re telling you by their actions, if they can’t speak. This is the best part of my job,” he said.
Six-year-old Aiden Jackson sat right on Santa’s lap while his 3-year-old sister, Brookelynn took some coaxing to stand by Santa for their portrait while mom and dad, Amber and Raymon Jackson, stood by.
Santa gave Aiden a high-five and a hug and Aiden said he asked Santa for Technic Legos.
The only other time Aiden saw Santa was in preschool before “we found out he was unique,” said his mother, Amber, of Akron. Aiden was uncomfortable during that visit but not having to stand in lines or have to battle crowds on Sunday was nice, she said.
Betty Lin-Fisher can be reached at 330-996-3724 or blinfisher@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow her @blinfisherABJ on Twitter or www.facebook.com/BettyLinFisherABJ and see all her stories at www.ohio.com/betty.