By Hays Area Children’s Center
As the days grow shorter and the weather cooler, the holiday season also is drawing near.
Hays Area Children’s Center is getting in the holiday spirit as its annual fundraising event, Christmas Tree Auction (Bright Lights for Little Tykes) approaches. This year’s event will begin at 6 p.m. Nov. 22 at Rose Garden Banquet Hall, 2350 E. Eighth.
“This is an exciting opportunity to find great deals on highly sought-after gift items and ensure your precious dollars are going to a good cause as well,” said Kaley Conner, community relations coordinator. “Your support is essential to helping us help local families.”
Proceeds from the event benefit HACC’s early education and intervention efforts. HACC’s early intervention team provides services to children with various disabilities or developmental concerns. Services include special education, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language pathology and health care from a registered nurse. All services are provided at no cost to qualifying families.
HACC also provides licensed childcare and early education services to children from birth to preschool. It is one of few centers in the area that provides care to infants and young children with disabilities.
Free developmental screenings also are offered monthly, with the goal of catching potential problems as early as possible.
“Many local families might find themselves in an overwhelming situation when their infant or toddler unexpectedly is diagnosed with a physical, communicative or cognitive disorder,” Conner said. “At the moment they need it most, our staff is there to provide assistance, support and reassurance.
“And our services are effective. Studies have shown proper early intervention greatly increases a child’s chance of success in school.”
Through the years, HACC families have reported improvement in children after receiving services. Among them are Hayley Bieker and her son, Owen. Owen’s parents realized something might be wrong when, at age 2, Owen had not yet spoken his first word.
Chronic ear infections had affected his hearing, making it difficult for him to learn to speak. After getting tubes put in his years, Owen began meeting regularly with speech-language pathologist Jennifer Sullivan. The progress he made while receiving HACC services was dramatic, Hayley Bieker said.
“Really, in a year’s time, he did a 180,” Bieker said, noting Sullivan was able to suggest specific ways the family could help him while offering support and reassurance.
Owen now is speaking in full sentences, and this summer was released from HACC due to the progress he had made.
This year, HACC also is unveiling a new name for the annual event – Bright Lights for Little Tykes.
“We wanted a name that was more reflective of our mission to help children,” Conner said.
Nearly 100 auction items have been donated, such as fine jewelry, electronics, signed sports memorabilia, vacation packages and Disney World tickets.
A $50 donation to Hays Area Children’s Center includes admission to Christmas Tree Auction, heavy hors d’ oeuvres buffet and complimentary wine. The deadline to RSVP is Nov. 15.
To reserve a seat or for more information, contact Conner at (785) 625-3257 or [email protected].