For nearly 8 decades, Turnstone has been honored to empower the lives of people with disabilities. Turnstone has been a constant in the community thanks to people like YOU who have been a constant in OUR community.
We continue to serve people with disabilities regardless of their ability to pay because our supporters have seen a need and taken the lead - both literally and figuratively.
To celebrate this upcoming season of thankfulness, we’re honoring a variety of people who have been there when we needed it most. These people have continued to invest their time, talent and treasure into our mission and are transforming Turnstone's legacy of empowerment as we provide comprehensive care, under one roof!
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For the last eight years, Santa (typically played by Adam Fultz, but this year was played by Casey Drudge) and Mrs. Claus (Linda Fultz) have been bringing joy to Turnstone’s Kimbrough Early Learning Center (KELC) kids during the holiday season.
Prior to her visits as Mrs. Claus, Linda had come to Turnstone a few times to watch an old student of hers play power soccer. She later reunited with Turnstone on a whim.
“When we started this, I was thinking of places we might visit and I happened to stop in here one day and asked if Turnstone could use a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus,” said Linda. “They couldn’t believe it because just a few weeks before, their usual Santa had let them know that he was not able to visit that year.” Santa and Mrs. Claus had found Turnstone at the right time and were able to bring the Christmas spirit to the KELC kids.
Now Santa and Mrs. Claus come to visit KELC and bring them gifts every December. This experience is a cherished tradition that brings smiles and happiness to the classrooms. Because of their giving spirits, kids in the Kimbrough Early Learning Center are able to have a memorable holiday experience that they can look forward to every year.
“It puts a smile on our faces too,” Casey smiled.
“Sitting in the classroom and watching the kids open their gifts is so fun. To believe in Santa is absolutely wonderful because Santa represents love. When you see those kids, it just makes your day,” said Linda. During one of her first visits to Turnstone eight years ago, she recalled being moved by the kids’ excitement and she realized the impact she was making. “They were jingling bells and gathering around to sing for us, it was just all love.”