Chocowinity — Just a few days before Christmas, Allison Crisp was busy as one of Santa’s elves in preparation for the holiday festivities hosted by ExCel and ACCEPT.

“We’re just enjoying Christmas with our children as we celebrate the season,” said Crisp, a founder and director of the organizations that provide opportunities and activities for youngsters.

The occasion was a party held the weekend before Christmas in the Chocowinity Community Center, site of many of the groups’ activities.

The morning’s schedule included a Christmas story, snacks and a visit with Santa himself, who arrived in a Chocowinity fire truck. The children also made several crafts, including rice snowmen and a Christmas painting, which they could take home as gifts for their parents.

“Our activities are learning experiences where we want people to see everybody is the same,” Crisp said. “There are no stereotypes. We offer fun times and activities for all children, especially those who need a place to belong.”

After a brief break for the holiday’s, ExCel and ACCEPT will be back up and running again in the new year.

“We will be having a January Fun Day for all children, especially our exceptional children,” Crisp said.

Monthly gatherings are planned throughout 2015 and will include additional Fun Day celebrations, Valentine’s Day party, Easter egg hunt and a cookout welcoming the arrival of summer.

ACCEPT and ExCel activities are geared to children between 3 and 18 years old. For more information, contact Crisp at 252-623-9381 or iacceptallchildren@gmail.com.