Easterseals Southern Ga. reveals Albany’s official 2024 Christmas ornament

ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - Easterseals Southern Georgia revealed the city of Albany’s official Christmas ornament that celebrates WALB for 70 years of service.

The WALB-TV Christmas ornament is $25. The proceeds will go towards helping enhance the life of someone living with a disability.

This fundraiser is designed to help support Easterseals’ Megan’s Home.

John McCain, president and CEO of Easterseals Southern Georgia, says this respite home allows adults and children with special needs to stay for up to a week while caregivers take care of other responsibilities.

“Individuals that care for individuals that have a disability or special needs, that’s a 24-hour-a-day job,” McCain said. “There’s no weekend, no vacation, but they do need a break. They need time to either take care of themselves or other family members.”

Easterseals supports thousands every year and they are committed to providing individuals with special needs a chance to make their own decisions.

“We are able to support those individuals and make sure that they have life choices. Where you want to live is a choice we help facilitate; the type of work you can do. We have helped individuals find jobs. We’ve helped individuals keep jobs,” McCain said.

James Thomp, an Easterseals staff member, believes it’s fulfilling to provide those with disabilities, opportunities they may not have elsewhere.

“We try to impact all of the individuals’ lives and make their wildest dreams come true. Things that they want to do, things they may not have done, we try to implement those things into their lives,” Thompson said.

Dorothy Jenkins has worked at Easterseals for 20 years and she’s glad the work she does is making a difference.

“We will come back that next day and ask them what did you learn from yesterday. If they tell us they learned their address, oh man, that puts a smile on your face. It makes you happy. At least you did something to impact their life,” Jenkins said.

The limited edition WALB-TV Christmas ornament is now available for purchase for $25. Past ornaments are available for $10-$20.

If you would like to order an ornament call (229) 439-7061, or purchase online here.

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