The Fourth Annual Shields for Kids Signing Santa Event is taking place on Saturday, December 10th, 2021, at Community Bible Church (2477 North Loop 1604 East San Antonio, TX 78232) from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM. This event is FREE to families with children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing or utilize American Sign Language to communicate.

In 2018, Shields for Kids received a Facebook message from the mother of a young girl who is Deaf, asking if we could help her find a Signing Santa for children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing in our area. In 2018, the organization hosted their Inaugural Signing Santa event, and it was a great success. The event returned in 2019 but was cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This impactful event returned last year and the officers of Shields for Kids are so excited to bring back a Signing Santa to the community. The Shields for Kids Signing Santa event provides an opportunity for children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing to interact with Santa Claus using American Sign Language, for some this is the first time they can communicate to Santa what they want for Christmas. Along with the opportunity to meet Santa, wrapped gifts are given to children after they interact with Santa, free snacks/beverages are available, a free photo booth opportunity, Hands of Praise (Signing Choir) performances, SWAT vehicle, coloring stations, balloon art, K-9 units and much more.

Shields for Kids is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides opportunities for “off duty” law enforcement officers to give back to kids in need within the community in which they serve and protect. The organization works with law enforcement officers from the San Antonio Police Department, Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, Lackland Air Force Base and surrounding law enforcement agencies.