Editor’s Note: A typo regarding the application deadline was fixed on this story after publishing.

MANSFIELD — The ARC Empowerment Center will transform into a winter wonderland next month, one filled with children’s laughter and holiday magic.

The center will host “Deck the Halls with Children’s Laughter” on Saturday, Dec. 13, from noon to 3 p.m. at 378 Park Ave. West.

Outreach Pastor Jackie Bentley said this marks the fifth year for the event.

The first year featured a bike giveaway. But over time, the celebration has evolved into a full-scale holiday experience. Now, children can explore multiple themed rooms filled with a wide variety of gifts, Christmas carols and hot cocoa.

Participants must apply to secure a time slot for the one-day event. (There is no limit to how many children aged 0-15 can participate.)

Applications are available at the Sycamore Street entrance (door number five) or online.

The deadline to apply is Saturday, Nov. 15.

Allowing children to choose their own gifts

What makes this event special, Bentley said, is that it celebrates each child and gives them the independence to pick out their own gifts.

The annual event gives children up to age 15 the chance to visit several themed rooms and choose one gift from each. Each child moves through the rooms independently, allowing them to experience the joy of selecting their own presents.

“They are allowed to come in alone and pick any toy they want,” Bentley said.

All toys are brand new, and each child receives a bag to carry their gifts as they move through the rooms.

“It’s like when a child is in a store with their parent and they see a wall of toys they can’t buy,” Bentley added. “Here, you can get more than one — and they’re free.”

Uniting the community through holiday cheer

Community members and businesses interested in getting involved can contact the ARC Empowerment Center by phone, email or through its website to host a themed room.

“If it’s too much for one person to fill an entire room, we’ll team you up with someone else,” Bentley said.

Hosts are encouraged to decorate their rooms however they wish — as long as they stay within the Christmas theme.

Bentley said Deck the Halls with Children’s Laughter continues to be an important tradition for both children and the wider community.

“These types of events really allow us all to come together as a community and work on projects,” she said. “They bring us together.”

Jamie Henry, administrative assistant for ARC Empowerment Center, said collaborating with churches, organizations and community members is one of her favorite parts of the event.

“It blesses me to have the opportunity to be part of an event that gives back to our community year after year,” Henry said.

She added the event doesn’t just bring joy to children, but to parents and guardians as well.

“We’ve seen parents and guardians in tears — happy tears — as their children pick out toys with big smiles on their faces,” Henry said.

For Henry, that is what Deck the Halls with Children’s Laughter is all about — spreading love and joy.

“If I could describe it in one word, it would be ‘blessing,’” she said.