CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Officials at SouthPark Mall in Charlotte held a “Caring Santa” event for children and young adults with special needs over the weekend.
The event helps those who have a difficult time handling long lines and loud crowds over the holiday season.
“The fact that everyone here has something similar, or we are all in the same boat, it's just a wonderful thing and he can be himself and I don't have to worry about a tantrum, about having him melt down,” Beatrice Moise, the mother of an autistic son, said.
Adam McGeehan, 3, has a rare neurological disorder. Doctors expect him to live to 5 years old.
"We're just thankful, literally for every minute we have with Adam, because you never know when it’s going to be his last or our last as a family,” his father, Scott McGeehan, said.
The event happened during private mall hours to provide a safe setting to see Santa Claus.
“It's the Christmas spirit, right?” Holly Roberson, with SouthPark Mall, said. “It's giving back, giving love, spreading love throughout the holiday season.”
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Cox Media Group
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