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December 8, 2004

Early Christmas At AZ Schools For The Deaf And Blind

From: KOLD-TV, AZ - Dec 8, 2004

By Som Lisaius , KOLD NEWS 13

What so many of us take for granted, others would do just about anything to have. The ability to see, to hear, to sing. But kids at the Arizona Schools For The Deaf And The Blind aren't about to let their disabilities get them down. Especially during the holidays.

"But the most important thing to remember is, Christmas is for giving," a narrator says, as 7 year old Alannie Bojorquez signs to a crowd of at nearly 100 people.

Exactly what brings them all here today. They're the Tucson chapter of Sertoma International. Long-time member and prominent Tucson businessman Jack Furrier tells us what they're all about. "Sertoma stands for service to mankind," Furrier said. "What we do is we raise money for the Arizona School For The Deaf And Blind...to buy the things that they can't buy with state money."

Nearly $60,000 a year...according to ASDB Superintendent Doris Woltman. "They raise money for specific types of equipment and wish lists that we have," Woltman said. "Last year they funded our media department, our TV studio."

And this annual performance is the school's way of saying thanks. There are songs, laughter, even cookies for everyone here. By the very nature of their disabilities, some of these kids will never see Santa or hear his distinctive voice. But that doesn't mean they can't be part of the Christmas spirit. And thanks to the support of organizations like the Sertoma Club, there are a lot of good people out there...making sure that happens.

"It's just like a lot of the service clubs in town," Furrier said. "We feel like we want to give back to the city and to the various charities in town. "It's been a great relationship," Furrier adds. "We really love working with these people and we can see the good that we do. And that really...kind of makes it all worth while."

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