A Special Kind Of Christmas

FORT LAUDERDALE (CBS4) - As we continue our commitment to bring you the stories that are Good 4 You, CBS4 takes you to a Christmas party. Unlike other Christmas parties, the children at one party in Fort Lauderdale were happy to get the gift of a second chance at a normal life.

"To see happy children and smiling faces, it is a great time of year," said Santa Claus who spent the morning at the Ann Storck Center in Fort Lauderdale handing out gifts donated by various community groups

What makes this party different are the children. Most of them are overcoming developmental and physical challenges.

"She couldn't hear good. She couldn't see. Her adenoids were removed. She had three surgeries done in one day," said Barbara Davis, whose granddaughter Mariah is a student at the center.

At 20 months, Mariah is getting her Christmas wish.

"I have seen a big improvement in Mariah. She has been here since August and from that time amazing," said Davis to CBS4's Jorge Estevez

Success stories, like Mariah's, keep the community coming back with donations. The Echo Hair Salon donated shoes.

"It is not just the salon, it is our clients. Everybody gets involved," said Valeries Viglione.

The South Florida Spine Clinic who wrote a check to the center.

"I think they need a little bit more resources to get them to the point where they are able to enjoy life as the more privileged children," said Jeffrey Cantor, President and C.E.O. of the South Florida Spine Clinic.

The celebration Friday morning marked Ann Stork Center's 30 year commitment discovering people's abilities and helping build their independence. Jim McGuire, the center's Executive Director remembered one story of survival during one Christmas  party years ago.

"She was down syndrome child. She had been with us 6 or 8 weeks. She was non ambulatory when she arrived and she took her first steps to see Santa to sit on his lap and get a gift," said Jim McGuire with a smile.

"Some of the kids may not be able to get much but Ann Stork and whomever has contributed has made a way for these kids. Thank you," said Davis.

There is still time for you to donate to the Center's Wish List and give a gift to these children. Just Log on to www.annstorckcenter.org.