By Susan R. Wenner
Herald Publisher/Editor
The non-profit, Christmas Dreams believes that every child deserves joy, wonder and the magic of Christmas, no matter the season and LeeAnn Stayer has been instrumental is helping fulfill this memory for many children throughout the years.
The group works with children battling life-threatening illnesses to assist in making every moment precious and are dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences that bring hope and happiness to them and their families. Volunteers plan festive celebrations, special events and personalized Christmas moments turning dreams into cherished memories and proving that the spirit of Christmas can shine bright all year long.
This Casselberry woman shared that Christmas Dreams is a separate 501(c)(3), however much of the financing and volunteer force are from The Church @ 434 in Winter Springs. Christmas experiences are provided 365 days a year for children and their families battling life threatening illnesses using pillowcases, personalized visits, Christmas in July celebrations and “Christmas is Coming” mobile experience.
Her background as a foster mother led her to realize how valuable every moment can be after sharing time with their foster son. It was what she described as, a year of “hell,” not knowing “if his birth mother would reunite with him” or she would be adopting him.
“Every moment became huge,” she said. “We celebrated like it was our last. Through my journey, God brought to my attention that while I walked that journey for a year, there are families with children battling life threatening illnesses that walk this road every day for years and years and years.”
Knowing the statistics that, every day 32 children are diagnosed with cancer in the United States and one out of every 5 will not survive, only fuels her drive to give these kids some happiness.
“For children fighting life-threatening illnesses, waiting until December isn’t an option,” she added. “We make Christmas dreams come true every day of the year. Over 10,000 children and families have already experienced the magic of Christmas Dreams and this is just the beginning. Christmas is such a huge holiday that most families celebrate and so we used it as a way to encourage and bring hope and joy to these families, whenever they needed it.”
Stayer feels that her 30 plus years in ministry and also Horizon Ministries has helped prepare her to come along side these families and bring a bit of love, hope and cheer. She and others have also attended “School 4 Santas” for a bit of character training, for Santa, Mrs. Claus and some elves. They also trained in Tampa and since meeting Santa - Timothy Connaghan, they have partnered and now host School 4 Santas in Winter Springs.
Christmas Dreams has a mobile experience called “Christmas is Coming,” housed in a 40 foot trailer and has been converted into “Santa’s Mobile Home.”
She elaborated that during their Christmas Dreams experience outside the trailer, children can ride a train, get elf hair, play in a giant snow globe, play in the magic Florida snow and enjoy Reindeer Games. Inside children make a cookie with Mrs. Claus, design a toy/keepsake in the Tinker Shop and then visit with Santa in his man cave.
“We train our volunteers at Elf University that is offered a few times a year,” she said. “Setting up the ‘Christmas is Coming’ trailer takes a team of elves a couple of hours to set up the day prior to hosting families.”
She also cited that “being an elf means being fluid. When you are dealing with sick children, things are constantly changing. We have a fabulous team that can adapt and make magic happen when the unexpected takes place. Just seeing the joy and belief on the children’s faces and seeing the parents making memories and watching their kids just get to be kids for a moment.”
Even more exciting news is coming to Christmas Dreams as their Elf University 1.0 will be on-line by the end of January. If someone would like to enroll in this course they can sign up at their convenience at the website below.
“Once completed, they may need to attend an in-person training of Elf U 2.0 and Elf U 3.0 if they are interested is being part of the ‘Christmas is Coming’ mobile experience,” said Stayer.
Even Christmas Dreams has their own “dreams” of building an indoor North Pole themed resort where families will stay and have the most magical, dreamy Christmas Eve and Christmas morning ever.
For more information about Christmas Dreams, to donate or assist go to www.christmasdreams.org , Facebook.com/ChristmasDreams , call 407-924-7331 or email [email protected]
