LANCASTER, Pa. — The tradition of writing letters to Santa is getting a significant makeover this holiday season, as a nonprofit group in Lancaster works to ensure that all children—both sighted and visually impaired—can participate in the ritual.
The initiative, spearheaded by VisionCorps, aims to foster inclusivity while encouraging children’s writing skills. This year marks the fifth anniversary of the program, which collects braille letters to Santa, allowing visually impaired children to communicate holiday wishes just like their sighted peers.
One of the young participants, eleven-year-old JJ Maldonado, expressed his excitement as he typed his Christmas wish for a microphone.
“I love to rap; it started like last year,” he shares, beaming about his passion for performing.
Some kids choose to write their letters to Santa. But JJ, who lost his vision at the age of three, used a Perkins Braille typewriter with the assistance of his former teacher, Erika Rothermel.
Rothermel, serving as Santa’s head elf this year and an educator for the blind and visually impaired, emphasizes the broader goals of the program.
“The big picture idea is that children will enhance their braille writing skills when they write their letter to Santa, and then practice their braille reading skills when they receive a response,” she explains.
JJ’s journey into music has not been without challenges, as he has had to find creative ways to express himself. “I used the back of my drum because it made an echo sound,” he recalls, reflecting on the innovative methods he used before acquiring a microphone. With his rap persona, Two-Jay, he dreams of continuing to share his voice through music while bringing joy to himself and others.
The program not only nurtures creativity but also brings families together during the holiday season. Rothermel envisions children sitting around the kitchen table, engaging in the fun of writing letters as a joyful holiday activity. For JJ, though, the most significant reward from his first letter to Santa is simple.
“I get gifts,” he laughs.
There is no deadline for letter submission this holiday season. For those looking to send their letters to Santa in braille, letters can be addressed:
Santa’s Attention, VisionCorps (Erika Rothermel, head elf)
244 N. Queen St. Lancaster, Pa. 17603