HOUSTON — Almost as long as its doors have been open, the legendary Creole restaurant Brennan’s Houston has been handing out jingle bell necklaces every December.
They have become a customer favorite.
"One guest will come in looking like Mr. T," owner Alex Brennan-Martin said. "He’s got 25 to 30 of them around his neck."
Every year, Brennan-Martin places an order with program participants at The Center for Pursuit. The nonprofit organization serves adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It’s essentially a landing spot for when those with special needs become adults, and options start to run dry.
"We call it, in our community, falling off the cliff," said Ashley Kress, the director of development at the center. "One minute you have all these supports through your school district, but the next minute, you’re wondering what to do."
The center offers a wide range of resources, including programs that teach life and social skills, providing help with housing and placing participants in jobs.
This year, about a dozen people will make up to 8,000 jingle bell necklaces -- and they’ll get paid for their time. Long-time participant Jimmie Heldridge said she likes being able to make a little extra cash around the holidays.
"I have done this every year, and I love it, love it, love it!" she said.
This year will be extra special for Heldridge and the other bellmakers: they will visit Brennan’s Houston on Dec. 2 for the first time and personally give the bells to restaurant patrons.
If you are interested in learning more or volunteering with The Center for Pursuit, click here.