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Shaw joins community in ‘Winter Wonderland’

A children’s train and wagon provide a ride around the parking lot of the Sumter Civic Center, Sumter, S.C., Dec. 19, 2014. The Sumter community held a “Winter Wonderland” themed event for children with special needs, with multiple activities to participate in. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tabatha Zarrella/Released)

Shaw joins community in ‘Winter Wonderland’

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Tonya Collett, 20th Dental Squadron technician, hands a toothbrush to a child during a “Winter Wonderland” themed event at the Sumter Civic Center, Sumter, S.C., Dec. 19, 2014. Shaw Air Force Base Airmen participated in the event which was hosted for local area children with special needs, giving them a day filled with activities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tabatha Zarrella/Released)

Shaw joins community in ‘Winter Wonderland’

McGruff the Crime Dog, high-fives children during a “Winter Wonderland” themed event at the Sumter Civic Center, Sumter, S.C., Dec. 19, 2014. The event was held for children with special needs and included inflatables face painting, and wagon and train rides, which helped the children with their fine and gross motor skills. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tabatha Zarrella/Released)

Shaw joins community in ‘Winter Wonderland’

Published Jan. 6, 2015
By Senior Airman Tabatha Zarrella
20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- The Sumter School District Education Department held its third annual Winter Wonderland at the Sumter County Civic Center for students with special needs Dec. 19, 2014.

Approximately 800 children listened to music while participating in the various activities throughout the center.

"The event was geared towards making sure the children were having a good time," said Shawn Hagerty, director of specialized programs for the Sumter School District. "The activities and games we had were designed to help the children with their fine motor and gross motor skills."

Many local businesses contributed with food discounts and donations. Volunteers from the local Sumter community, including the local law enforcement and Airmen from Shaw Air Force Base, helped run each of the activities and learning tables.

"It's important for Airmen to get involved," said Staff Sgt. Tonya Collett, 20th Dental Squadron technician. "We get to return the favor and reach out to our community, because our community takes care of us."

During the event, the children also had opportunities to learn from the different learning tables.

"We had tables set up to help children learn fire prevention, crime prevention, dental hygiene and many things to help build community relationships between the Sumter school district and other local entities," said Hagerty.

The Sumter school district supports families who have children with disabilities and encourages education involvement.

"Winter Wonderland has grown over the years," said Hagerty. "This event is possible through the community partnerships and collaboration. There are a lot of military and local families who have children with disabilities and we just want to show our support."