Erika Rothermel, who works at Vision Corps, a nonprofit in Chester County, spends her time as Santa’s elf, responding in braille to blind children writing to Santa, writes Holly Herman for Patch.
“The children usually write about how good they have been and they deserve a toy,” said Rothermel. “They get a chance to practice braille. The letters are coming in. I can’t wait to read them.”
For Rothermel, helping kids who are blind and visually impaired is a calling. She developed her passion while studying at Kutztown University to be a teacher. She was inspired by her visually impaired roommate to take classes in braille. She ended up earning a Bachelor of Science degree in special education for the visually impaired and elementary education.
After university, she got a job at Vision Corps, which focuses on empowering people with vision loss.
And she truly enjoys getting letters from kids who are writing to Santa because it helps them learn to communicate with others.
“We want the children to send letters to Santa all season,” she said.
Rothermel will be working through the holiday season to respond to all the letters.
Read more about Erika Rothermel in Patch.
