PITTSTON, LUZERNE CO. (WOLF) — Smiles, laughter, and a dusting of holiday magic filled Coffee Inclusive as the community gathered to celebrate 11 years of ‘Sensitive Santa.’

Bringing a warm glow to the holiday season, the event is designed for children and families with special needs.

Sensitive Santa provided a calm and joyful space where everyone could share in the magic.

Guests snapped photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, all while savoring festive treats and cozy drinks that added to the cheer.

Founder and Sensitive Santa organizer Nicole Ash reflected on the inspiration behind the event—and how its impact has grown with each passing year.

“We started 11 years ago with the premise that even if we helped one child who needed an adopted visit with Santa, some kids in our community aren’t able to do the typical things, such as going to see Santa and enjoy a Christmas festivity. So, I have a special needs son, and a bunch of my friends were like, hey, we can make this happen in our area. And year one, I think we did 12 kids, and we’re up to over 100 this year,” said Ash.

Ash said Sensitive Santa is more than an event, but a carefully crafted holiday adventure, designed with every sensory need in mind.

“We provide different rooms. That a child may need. So, we have a sensory calm room. The all is calm room. We follow the peppermint path to, all is bright, which is the loud activity room, which a lot of kids love, that we have some sensory toys in there. We have a music therapist from back Mountain Music Therapy, and she provides music therapy. And the kids love that. We have a craft station,” said Ash.

“You get to hit all those different zones. However you need to do, you can come back to them. You make your wish list. You come in, see Mr. and Mrs. Claus. We had gifts donated to us so we can give the kids, and they get a gift bag filled with lots of goodies,” said Ash.

Returning year after year, Ash said the memories made are special and attendees cherish them every year.

“It brings on the Christmas spirit of the holidays, and we love it. It’s magical. And so many families seeing the kids grow from year to year, it’s wonderful. And it brings the community together. It really does,” said Ash.

To learn more about Coffee Inclusive and its mission, click here.