Special Kids Therapy & Nursing Center held its Cornelius Christmas program last week to provide gifts for 382 individuals in need.

"The appreciation from the families is unexplainable," shares Candice Payne, Special Kids lead family resources coordinator. "They all express how undeserving they feel and are so humbled. To be able to provide Christmas for their family is a huge relief and a great burden is lifted."

Families caring for children with special needs often face financial burdens and have difficulty affording gifts for the Christmas tree. At Special Kids, the Cornelius Christmas program allows individuals and groups from the community to give back to families who need financial support the most. This year, 91 families were served through the generosity of the local community.

"It is very rewarding for us to see the excitement from the community," said Payne. "It has become a tradition for our sponsors who come back year after year. It's not just giving presents, they are giving love."

The Special Kids Family Resources Department is responsible for identifying families in need and matching them with a community sponsor while keeping everything confidential. Sponsors range from individuals, families, employee groups, and Sunday school classes who come together to provide for an individual family.

This year sponsors provided toys, bikes, and clothes for the children. Families were also given food, towels, shampoo, household items, coats and shoes and even gift cards for gas, groceries and haircuts to help supply their ongoing needs.

"Thank you for sharing the love of Christ with us. It means the world to our whole family," said one anonymous recipient. "We are truly blessed by God through Special Kids. I am in tears as I see these gifts. Our biggest wish is for our children to have a good Christmas and Special Kids and the sponsors have provided that for us. We are so grateful."

Special Kids is a Christian therapy and nursing center for children with special needs. The Murfreesboro-based ministry started with one child in 1998 and has grown to serve over 3,100 children from 18 counties in middle Tennessee. To learn more about Special Kids' therapy and nursing services, call 615.809.2632 or visit specialkidstn.com.