Crafting Success: How Students with Disabilities are Spreading Holiday Cheer in Stockton!

Holiday spirit is alive and well in Stockton, where students in special education are gearing up to showcase their creativity at the sixth annual WorkAbility I Holiday Boutique on December 4th. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., shoppers will have the opportunity to peruse handmade gifts and decorations crafted by these talented students, all while supporting a fantastic cause. Proceeds from the sales will directly fund life skills education through the San Joaquin County Office of Education’s Special Education Local Plan Area, or SELPA.

Teacher Katie Hoffman, who works with students at Escalon High School, shared that last year’s efforts raised over a thousand dollars for her class, allowing them to purchase essential supplies like pots and pans. This kind of support creates opportunities for students to learn practical skills in a real-world setting, proving that education can happen both inside and outside the classroom.

Hoffman’s class has taken a hands-on approach this year, creating adorable wooden Christmas tree decorations, complete with lights and paint. Students not only get to see the fruits of their labor; they’re learning valuable lessons in craftsmanship, sales, and the joy of giving back to their community. As if that weren’t enough, the event also highlights the Workability program’s mission of placing students in meaningful vocational positions.

So, if you’re looking for unique holiday gifts this season, why not drop by the boutique? You get to help students shine while ticking off your gift list. Win-win, right?