BRADENTON, Fla. — An airplane hanger at the Sarasota/Bradenton Airport was turned into the North Pole on Thursday. Dozens of special needs children had the opportunity to meet Santa and forget about being sick.
Jerry Bussell,14, has ADHD, but his medical condition fades out of his mind while he’s at the North Pole.
“I’m riding horses and meeting Santa it’s a lot of fun,” said Bussell.
The Manatee County Sheriff’s office organized the Santa’s Workshop event. Sheriff Rick Wells said it’s an opportunity to give back to the community.
"We think it’s important for these kids just to relax and not worry about the hospitals,” said Wells.
Tess Green said the event was a chance for her grandson to just be a kid.
“He’s always doing something to extend and improve his life but today is just about just living,” said Green.
The North Pole event is an annual tradition.