On a frosty December evening, the interior of St. Marks Lutheran Church in Aurora exuded a cozy warmth. This was all made possible by the jolly Santa Claus and a group of enthusiastic little ones.

Bringing Joy to Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Children

Santa and Mrs. Claus made a grand appearance, greeting more than a dozen families with deaf and hard-of-hearing children. To everyone's astonishment, Santa was well-versed in American Sign Language and used it to understand each child's holiday wish. Kim Cancio, who brought her 5-year-old daughter Kimberly, shared, "It's wonderful because at the mall, she had to communicate through an interpreter. Here, she can directly talk to Santa, which is amazing. It's a great chance for her to see other kids like her and for us to be around families with deaf and hard-of-hearing children as well." Kimberly expressed her desires, saying she wanted candy, makeup, and a blue toy horse.For the past 16 years, the Aurora Lions Club has been hosting this special event for local families. Susan Koepke, the co-president along with Randy Brown, said, "It's good for them to be together and realize there are others like them." Lions Club member and East Aurora hearing itinerate Carrie Snyder added, "It fills my heart. It's a community within a community. Students who often feel alone in their schools with hearing loss, hearing aids, or sign interpreters can now meet other students who sign too."Aurora Lions partnered with Sycamore-based Northeastern Illinois Association, a regional special-education cooperative serving children with autism, hearing impairment, and vision impairment from 10 northern Illinois counties. This collaboration ensures that these children have a chance to experience the magic of the holiday season in a way that is meaningful to them.The impact of this event goes beyond just one night. It creates a sense of belonging and unity among these families. It shows that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can come together and celebrate the holidays with joy and love. These children now have a memory that will last a lifetime, knowing that Santa took the time to learn their language and understand their wishes. It's a testament to the power of community and the importance of inclusion.The Aurora Lions Club's dedication to this cause is truly remarkable. They have made it possible for these children to feel seen and heard, and to have a holiday experience that is truly special. Through their efforts, these families are able to create lasting memories and build connections that will benefit them for years to come.