By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

PELHAM — On the morning of Friday, Dec. 6, the children of The Arc of Shelby County program got to meet Jolly Old St. Nick.

The annual Tales for Tots Holiday Party with Santa Claus himself featured festive activities, imaginative storytelling and all of the magic associated with the holiday season.

“Each year, we have the Tales for Tots holiday party where we invite Santa to come and for the children to have an opportunity to meet Santa in a more sensory-focused environment, where it’s less overwhelming and more family-friendly,” said Carole Lyons, the director of development and community relations with The Arc of Shelby County. “It allows for the children not just to meet with Santa, but also allows for time for them to socialize with other children while they’re here for that event.”

While the December version of Tales for Tots is special considering the appearance of Santa, it in fact is a monthly program that runs on the last Friday of every month.

Throughout the years, Tales for Tots has hosted a variety of themed events, including a Halloween version where kids go trick-or-treating throughout The Arc of Shelby County’s office, a day with select players from the Birmingham Bulls, and time on various city vehicles such as police cars, firetrucks and more.

“It’s really one of our most popular community events,” Lyons said. “It’s not just for the children that we serve in that age group, but it’s open to anyone in the Shelby County community within that age group.”

The Tales for Tots event, while geared towards children, also provides peace of mind for the parents of the children involved.

“I think it allows the parents to interact with one another and know that they’re not alone on this journey,” Lyons said. “It creates a community within a community for parents who are on this journey with children who have an intellectual disability. When a child has a disability, depending on certain locations, they might stand out sometimes, so I think it also creates a judgment-free environment.”

The Arc of Shelby County’s mission is to empower individuals through advocacy, coaching and support. With Tales for Tots, the organization creates a safe space for children to be themselves regardless of the challenges they face, with a little added holiday magic this time of year.