The holiday season is a special time at Aspire of WNY, where the spirit of joy, togetherness and giving shines brightly across the agency. From parades, to parties, to hot cocoa bars, Aspire of WNY went all out to make the season memorable for all involved!
Over at the agency’s Center for Learning, the Western New York Woodturners hosted their annual holiday party, a cherished tradition at the agency since 1991. Members of the Woodturners crafted accessible wooden toys, including cars, trucks, pull toys, games, and puzzles, which they distributed to the students. These toys are designed with an emphasis on simplicity, safety, durability, washability, and usability, ensuring they are accessible to individuals of all abilities.
Across different locations throughout the agency, the Celebrations Committee hosted hot cocoa bars accompanied by ugly sweater days on Friday, December 20th in celebration of the holiday season. Agency employees and individuals supported by the agency got to stop in throughout the day to enjoy holiday cookies and a warm cup of hot cocoa, with their choice of festive toppings.
Over in the Southern Tier, staff and individuals supported by the agency made spirits bright in the Jamestown Holiday Parade on December 7th, showcasing a stunning candy cane-themed float where they tossed candy and treats to the excited crowd that lined the streets of downtown Jamestown.
Special thanks to Matt Zanghi, Maintenance Supervisor at Aspire of WNY, who generously built the float. Matt dedicated his Thanksgiving weekend to designing, constructing, and decorating the float entirely on his own time. The parade also featured a quiet zone, organized by Collaborative Children’s Solutions, to ensure an inclusive experience for all. In this area, participants refrained from playing loud music, creating noise, or using flashing lights, ensuring an enjoyable celebration for individuals of all abilities.
The holiday spirit extended to the Chautauqua Safety Village’s Holiday Whobilation, an annual Christmas-themed event featuring family-friendly games and activities in a mini village that’s decked out to resemble Whoville from “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” where individuals who are supported by the Tuesday Work Readiness Class helped decorate the Safety Village’s mini-Walmart in preparation for the Whobilation event, adorning it in twinkling Christmas lights. Participants got to demonstrate different workplace safety skills that they have been learning in class while braving snowy weather and cold temperatures to help decorate.
As Aspire of WNY reflects on the joyful memories of the past holiday season, it’s clear how meaningful these traditions and celebrations are to the community we support. With the new year underway, Aspire of WNY is excited to make every season special for those we support.
