ROBERTSDALE, Ala. — Christmas came early on Wednesday for 65 special education students at Robertsdale Elementary School.

Many clad in pajamas because it was also “Pajama Day”, each student received a special gift and was treated to some Christmas goodies and a picture with Santa as part of their special party.

All of this was made possible through the efforts of the Sledge family and some very generous community donors.

Suzi Sledge said she came up with the idea for the party when she started subbing at RES about five years ago and fell in love with the special ed students.

“I just love these kids and wanted to do something for them so I enlisted the help of family and friends and we started preparing. I enjoy it so much and it is so fun for me,” Sledge said.

With her husband as Santa, her brother the photographer, her mom, two sons and niece and nephew helping to give out gifts, the party is a family affair and takes a couple of months to organize and get ready.

Starting in August mailing out letters to the community asking for donations, Sledge also emails each teacher to find out what gift each student would like.

“I have never known her not to be able to get the specific gift each child requested. She does all the shopping, wrapping and organizing herself. She is busy from Thanksgiving on getting ready for this,” said Denise Boyer, Sledge’s mon.

Having their own business, Coastal Industrial Supply, Sledge said she was able to get some donations from the vendors she deals with and some family members from out of state.

“This is the only time during the year when all the classes are together and it’s so nice to be able to do that. For some of these kids, this is their Christmas and the only one they will have, sad to say,” said Brandi Merchant, Project REACH teacher.

Sledge makes a point to say it is a team effort that allows this party to come together and the other members of the team include: Mike and Jodi Millwood (Threads For the South), Big Daddy’s Grill, Marine Rigging. Joe Tyler (ORS Nasco), St. Paul’s Pre School, SCS Sport Karate, Coastal Industrial Supply, Joe Bischoff, Renata Hohl, Melanie Kelly, Beth Jennings, Sharon and Red Waterbury, Denise Boyer, Mike Sledge, Jacob Bushaw, Sydney Hoover, Matt Trey and Mack Funeral Home.