The borough’s fabric and very essence embody inclusivity and belonging for all from businesses to local schools at the forefront for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
That has made a successful community event like Sensory Santa possible.
It was created to provide a welcoming and inclusive space where children and individuals of all ages with disabilities can take photos with Santa, designed with thoughtful accommodations that are rarely available elsewhere.
The event was born out of collaboration in 2020 – partnering with Upcycle, Eat Play Learn, Motivated Kids, and SLK Community Consulting, in tandem with the borough of Collingswood, shared Lindsey Ferguson, the borough’s director of Community and Business Development. She is also a parent.
“Santa is not often seen as supportive of neurodivergent kids,” Ferguson offered. “This experience is accessible to a broader population and available at no cost.
“We didn’t want cost to prohibit families, and we asked, ‘How can we do this?’”
Now celebrating its fifth year, Sensory Santa has grown from 45 families in 2020 to an expected 75 families this December.
“As a Collingswood business owner, this is the kind of impact that matters most to me,” Kim Goodman explained, “bringing people together, celebrating our differences, and removing barriers so every family feels welcomed, supported, and seen.”
Goodman is the founder of Upcycle Fitness and Social Club, which hosts the event each year.
“This is a great event with inclusivity,” added Sandi Kelly, owner of SLK Community Consulting. “It’s really rewarding to support it. The biggest contribution is that my husband Ron is Santa and has always enjoyed it.
“When this came up he said, ‘Yes, I’m all in. These parents and kids are so appreciative.’”
The fitness studio space is turned into a winter wonderland adorned with a Christmas tree, sensory toys, and dimmed lighting,” Goodman explained. The hallway waiting area is organized, all creating a calming area for every participant who enters.
When looking back at past years’ photos, children are seen engaging with Santa in their own unique way. Some share toys and play alongside Santa, others stand in front of Santa, but all share smiles and enthusiasm. The event beautifully displays that there is no “right” way to pose with Santa for the holidays.
“This event is genuinely one of my favorite days of the year,” Goodman enthused. “Many of the families who attend have never had a Santa photo before because the typical environment is just too overwhelming for their child, so getting to change that and give them this moment is really powerful.”
This year’s event will take place on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Upcycle Fitness Studio, free of charge.
“This event is a testament to the spirit of Collingswood,” Ferguson said. “It brings events to local government, and a large piece speaks to the disability infrastructure.”
Collingswood is home to JEVS (Jewish Employment and Vocational Services), many of whom are friends and neighbors of Collingswood.
There are two storefronts supporting individuals with disabilities: Haddon Connection, an inclusive community and retail space, and Clay at Work, Say It With Clay, which provides vocational and creative training opportunities.
Collingswood High School also supports inclusion through its unified sports program and annual Autism Walk.
The event, though local, has gained interest from other counties and states that wish to learn from its success, Ferguson said.
Sensory Santa demonstrates the growing need to increase inclusivity around the holidays for everyone on a national scale by bringing communities together.
