Enjoy a calm, welcoming event designed for children of all ages and abilities, featuring softer lighting and quieter surroundings. Registration is required.

Franklin Park Mall, 5001 Monroe St., Toledo

Brunch with Santa!

Get in the spirit with some tasty food, fun activities, cookie decorating station and maybe even share your Christmas wishes with the man in red. Ticketed.

Maumee Bay Brewing Co., 27 Broadway St., Toledo

Santa Paws Photos for Pups & People

Photo packages benefit the medical expenses of our dogs at Golden Retriever Rescue Resource.

Rover Come Over, 3945 Albon Rd., Monclova

The Bene Italiano Christmas Artistry Event…featuring Santa’s Visit

Join Santa, artisans and crafters and the Bene Italiano team in the Banquet Room to welcome in the Holiday season together!

Keith and Chris Incorvaia’s Bene Italiano Restaurant, 4751 Monroe St., Toledo

Cookies with Santa

Bring your cameras and come meet Santa, while enjoying crafts and cookies!

Collingwood Arts Center, 2413 Collingwood Blvd., Toledo

Storytime with Mrs. Claus

Mrs. Claus will visit the library to share songs and stories with families.

Bowling Green Library, 251 N Main St., Bowling Green

Dec. 10

Storytime with Mrs. Claus

Reading, writing, singing and play with Mrs. Claus.

Walbridge Library, 108 N. Main St., Walbridge

Dec. 11

Holiday Magic: Meet Santa

Bring your family and friends to meet Santa and enjoy a magical holiday experience.

Monclova Community Center, 8115 Monclova Rd., Monclova

Dec. 13 and Dec. 14

4th Annual Cookies With Santa

Enjoy delicious cookies and hot cocoa, while listening to holiday music and joining in on various fun-filled activities.

Maumee Bay Lodge and Conference Center, 1750 Park Rd., Oregon

Dec. 14

Annual Breakfast with Santa

Enjoy a Bake Sale, Raffle Baskets Train and Winter Village table.

Whitmer High School, 5601 Clegg Dr., Toledo

Christmas with the Claus

Enjoy a delicious breakfast, animal encounter and festive activities. Also on Sunday, Dec. 15. Ticketed.

The Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way, Toledo

Mingle with the Kringles at Med1Care

Photos, crafts, story time & more. RSVP requested.

Med1Care, LLC, 1225 Corporate Dr, Holland

Echo Meadows Breakfast with Santa

Breakfast will be provided for the kids, themed crafts available and of course, Santa will be there for pictures.

Echo Meadows Church of Christ, 2905 Starr Ave., Oregon

Santa’s Last Stop

Visit with Santa, Mrs. Claus and their reindeer before they head back to the North Pole.

Nature’s Corner, 6036 Angola Rd., Holland

Free Santa Pictures

Sponsored by Lucas County Children Services

Mott Branch Library, 1085 Dorr St., Toledo

Milk & Cookies with Santa

Pick up your free ticket(s) at Great American Cookies in Suite 750. Limited tickets.

The Shops at Fallen Timbers, 3100 Main St., Suite 1599, Maumee

Dec. 15

Soothing Santa

Enjoy a calm, welcoming event designed for children of all ages and abilities, featuring softer lighting and quieter surroundings. Registration is required.

Franklin Park Mall, 5001 Monroe St., Toledo

Santa Claus Meet & Greet

Unicorn Farts cotton candy will be joining Learning Express Toys for this fun event before the holidays!

Learning Express Toys, 5577 Monroe St., Sylvania

Christmas Carols with Santa in the Old West End

All are invited to sing Christmas Carols with Santa! Join The Old West End Social Circle to spread goodwill and holiday cheer!

Old West End Commons, Corners of Bancroft & Robinwood, Toledo

5th Annual Officer Dia Christmas Cruz

Bring the kids to meet Santa and all his helpers. Take pictures, have cookies and see all the toy trucks lit up to be escorted to ProMedica Russell J Ebeid Children’s Hospital.

Wheelin’ on the Rocks, 2640 W. Laskey Rd., Toledo

Dec. 17

Cookies & Cocoa with Santa

Enjoy decorating delicious cookies, a hot cocoa bar, photos with Santa and Christmas crafts!

Fort Meigs YMCA, 13415 Eckel Junction Rd., Perrysburg

Dec. 18

Santa Pajama Party

Kids are invited to wear their favorite PJs and snuggle up for a magical evening with Santa. Registration is required.

Franklin Park Mall, 5001 Monroe St., Toledo

Photos with Santa

Bring your kids and yourselves and get a free photo with Santa!

Ventura’s Mexican Restaurant, 7742 W Bancroft St., Toledo

Other holiday events

Ongoing

Lights Before Christmas

The Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way, Toledo

Nativity Festival

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 428 N. Erie St., Toledo

A Christmas Carol

Toledo Repertoire Theatre, 16 W. 10th St., Toledo

50th Annual Holidays at the Manor House

Wildwood Preserve Metropark, 5100 W. Central Ave., Toledo

Family Think Tank Workshops: Gingerbread Houses

Imagination Station, 1 Discovery Way, Toledo

Dec. 6

KRAMPUS: A Holiday Circus Tale

A family-friendly dark holiday tale told through the magic of circus. Ticketed.

Collingwood Arts Center, 2413 Collingwood Blvd., Toledo

Dec. 7

Camp for a Day: Reindeer Games

While parents prepare for the holidays, kids can enjoy a day at camp and see if they have what it takes to compete in the Reindeer Games! Ticketed.

The Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way, Toledo

Jingle Bell Bash

An inclusive and accessible holiday celebration for kids of all abilities! Registration is required.

4765 N. McCord Rd(old Five Lakes building), Sylvania

Christmas Tree Ship

The Christmas Tree Ship is presented by UToledo Health and supported by the Port of Monroe. Enjoy free museum admission all day long and make memories that last a lifetime! Watch Santa arrive at the museum’s dock aboard a Geo. Gradel Co. tugboat delivering a Christmas Tree into your hands or the hands of someone in need.

National Museum of the Great Lakes, 1701 Front St., Toledo

Meet & Greet with The Mean One & Cindi Lou Who

Meet your favorite characters from the Grinch. This is a free event! Register on Facebook – Learning Express Toys of Sylvania.

Learning Express Toys, 5577 Monroe St., Sylvania

Winter Wonderland Weekend

Downtown Toledo will be full of holiday cheer with curated events December 7-8.

Various locations

WINTERFEST: Libbey House Christmas Tour

Tour the Libbey House exploring the magic of Christmas on all three floors.

Libbey House, 2008 Scottwood Ave., Toledo

Santa’s Workshop Pop-Up Shop

Join Creations by Gifted for a budget-friendly event featuring great gifts at great prices! Enjoy food, music and fun for the whole family!

Frederick Douglass Community Association, 1001 Indiana Ave., Toledo

Cocoa With the Conductor

Bring the whole family to enjoy a complimentary cup of hot chocolate while listening to cherished children’s Christmas tales throughout the museum!

Monroe County Museum System, 22 W 2nd St., Monroe, MI

Christmas Movies at the Peristyle!

The Toledo Symphony brings nostalgic Christmas movies to the Peristyle for a family-friendly afternoon of mischief and adventure. Ticketed.

Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe St, Toledo

Holiday Night Market

Two levels are filled with local artisans, one-of-a-kind gift ideas, food, drinks, music and a whole lot of holiday cheer!

Fifth Third Building, One Seagate, Toledo

Lial Live Nativity

Enjoy twinkling lights, beautiful music and inspiring scenes from the Christmas story that capture the true spirit of the season.

Lial Catholic School, 5700 Davis Rd., Whitehouse

Dec. 7

YesterWays – Holiday Edition

YesterWays is a free hands-on drop-in activity that focuses on a skill or craft from times past.

Monroe County Museum, 126 S. Monroe St., Monroe, MI

Historic Holidays – Fort Meigs Winter Festival

Enjoy holiday music, refreshments and hands-on activities. Ticketed.

Fort Meigs, 29100 W River Rd., Perrysburg

Frozen Sing Along

Celebrate the magic of the season with Elsa, Anna and all the beloved Frozen songs at Laurel’s Characters & Co.’s Frozen Holiday Sing Along! Ticketed.

Maumee Indoor Theater, 601 Conant St., Maumee

Polar Paws and Santa Claws 5k

Run or walk the festive 5K featuring a custom bib with chip timing, wearable swag, and a collectible cup with complimentary hot cocoa! Kids 12 & under can join the Cub Run, which includes an ice slide pass!

The Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way, Toledo

2024 Holiday Tree Lighting

Experience the magic of the holidays with games, arts and crafts, and captivating musical performances.

Ottawa Park Ice Rink, 2015 Parkside Dr., Toledo

Dec. 10

Lucas DD Snowy Social

Join Lucas DD for this FREE, family-friendly event open to the community! Perfect for children 6 and under, with activities welcoming all abilities. Registration is required.

Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities, 1155 Larc Ln, Toledo

Dec. 12 -Dec. 15

Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party

Experience captivating storytelling through dynamic production numbers in this magical quest. Ticketed.

Huntington Center, 500 Jefferson Ave., Toledo

Dec. 13 – Dec. 15

Toledo Ballet w/ The Nutcracker

Toledo Ballet’s annual production of The Nutcracker continues to delight audiences of all ages. Ticketed.

Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo

Dec. 14

Light Up the Night

A full day of holiday festivities celebrating the annual Light of the Night event in Downtown Grand Rapids.

Downtown Grand Rapids, Front St., Grand Rapids

Polar Express 3D at Imagination Station

The Polar Express 3D is returning to Imagination Station! Ticketed.

Imagination Station, 1 Discovery Way, Toledo

Movie and a Craft: The Grinch

Make a paper plate Grinch Santa and watch him wreak havoc on the holiday.

King Road Branch Library, 3900 King Rd., Toledo

Meet the Winter Sisters

Santa has invited his special winter friends, Elsa and Ana, for an enchanting meet and greet that will warm your heart. Registration is required.

Franklin Park Mall, 5001 Monroe St., Toledo

YesterWays – Holiday Edition

YesterWays is a free hands-on drop-in activity that focuses on a skill or craft from times past.

Monroe County Museum, 126 S Monroe St., Monroe, MI

Heritage Holiday

Enjoy wagon rides, warm beverages, cookie decorating, crafts, classic games, carols on the player piano, traditional decorations, and one-room schoolhouse activities for a truly festive experience!

Carter Historic Farm, 18331 Carter Rd., Bowling Green

Family Movie Time at Walbridge

Watch The Santa Clause at the library.

Walbridge Library, 108 N. Main St., Walbridge

Caroling at The Ribbon

Visit The Ribbon to ice skate and enjoy live carols from the Candy Cane Carolers. Reservations are encouraged.

Glass City Riverwalk, 1001 Front St., Toledo

December Movie Night at Callisto Terra

Get cozy at Callisto Terra and enjoy The Santa Clause.

Callisto Terra, 5223 Hill Ave., Toledo

Dec. 15

Tipsy Elves Market and Music

Enjoy a day of holiday shopping with local artists and makers, live music, food trucks and a cash bar. Family-friendly fun for all!

Elks Maumee, 137 W. Wayne Street, Maumee

Dec. 16

Ugly Holiday Sweater Cookie Decorating

Create, and then devour your very own ugly holiday sweater sugar cookie! An extra treat for the one deemed the ugliest!

Toledo Heights Branch Library, 423 Shasta Dr., Toledo

Dec. 17

Holiday Storytime

Celebrate the holidays with a fun family storytime.

Waterville Branch Library, 800 Michigan Ave., Waterville

DIY Christmas Ornaments

Create your own winter wonderland within a Christmas bulb ornament. Registration is required.

Reynolds Corners Branch Library, 4833 Dorr St., Toledo

Dec. 19

Racing Reindeer

A holiday-themed STEM workshop that sparks curiosity! Meet Stacie, Sam, and Kai from The Tree Lab Trio in a festive comic, followed by a hands-on “Racing Reindeer” activity. Registration is required.

Waterville Branch Library, 800 Michigan Ave., Waterville

Dec. 20

Holiday Glow Skate at The Ribbon

The Ribbon transforms into a glowing holiday wonderland for a special Holiday Glow Skate featuring holiday colors, music and more! Reservations are encouraged.

Glass City Riverwalk, 1001 Front St., Toledo

An Evening with Peter Billingsley and A Christmas Story

A Q&A with Peter Billingsley after a screening of A Christmas Story. Ticketed.

Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo

Dec. 21

Winter Solstice Party

Celebrate the shortest day of the year with glow-in-the-dark games and activities!

Main Library, 325 N Michigan St, Toledo

Dec. 22

Christmas Fest

Join Cornerstone Church for a special service filled with fun for the whole family! Sing along to festive music, enjoy activities together, and experience the Christmas story.

Cornerstone Church, 1520 S Reynolds Rd., Maumee

Christmas Carol Sing

Sing favorite Christmas carols accompanied by choir, strings, and brass, and featuring the newly restored E.M. Skinner organ.

Rosary Cathedral, 2535 Collingwood Blvd., Toledo

Dec. 27-29

Great Art Escape

Enjoy hands-on art experiences in the galleries, cookie decorating, live performances, captivating glassblowing demonstrations and much more. There are themed journeys available, including flashlight, date night and superhero tours. This event will take place on December 27 and 28 from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. and December 29 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Transformation Living Resource Helps Youths with ‘Open Arms’

By

Dennis Bova

-

December 4, 2024

Open Arms Transformation Living helps youth experiencing homelessness. Photo from @oatltoledo

Open Arms Transformation Living is a relatively new resource helping youths, primarily females between 12 and 20. Now, it needs help, in the form of a building to call its own to give these youths a safe haven.

“We’re new, but the problems we address are not new at all,” said Fonda Royster, founder and executive director of Open Arms, a nonprofit that began March 21, 2022. The problems are homelessness, being human trafficked, exploited and dating violence – some of which she’s experienced.

Open Arms addresses these by “providing essential resources like food, clothing, hygiene products and housing assistance,” its website said. But it goes one step further, educating youths on the nature of healthy relationships.

“We work with the mothers because poverty and homelessness are generational,” Royster added. “Kids repeat what they see and what they know.”

She said, “Homelessness affects kids’ self-esteem. Who wants to sleep in a car or in a tub that serves as a bed? They’re going to be frustrated, and not want to go to school because they’re dirty. If they do go to school they don’t do well, and without an education they won’t get a decent job.”

Royster said Open Arms has a board of directors and a team of volunteers. Youths come to Open Arms by requesting help through the website — oatltoledo.square.site — or referrals. “Teachers, school bus drivers, nurses – they reach out to us,” Royster said. She meets with youths in libraries or other public spaces.

Now, Open Arms needs a house or other building to call its own. Royster said ideally it would be in Toledo’s north side: Manhattan Boulevard, Stickney Avenue, East Central Avenue, and Lagrange Street. “We’re trying to meet the kids where they are,” she said, noting that Open Arms has relationships with Woodward High School and Longfellow Elementary School.

Such a brick-and-mortar site “would serve as a drop-in hub. When you are homeless, you do not sleep at nighttime. Anything can happen,” she said. “This would be a space for them to come, get clean, eat and rest.” It also would be a place where they could get free legal services or mental health care.

To help raise money and awareness for a building, Open Arms held the “Brick by Brick Fundraising Gala, Building Hope, Rebuilding Lives” on Nov. 7 at the Premier on Heatherdowns. Royster said more than 100 ticket-buyers attended and were treated to music, food, raffles, a silent auction and addresses by two of the youths who Open Arms is helping. It also is to promote awareness of teen homelessness, teen dating violence and human trafficking – some of which Royster knows of firsthand.

The Toledo native said she experienced homelessness at 14, and was exploited in order to survive on the streets. Eventually a maternal aunt – “my second mother,” she said with pride – took her to live in New Jersey, where she grew up, graduated high school and college, got a social services job, and raised a family.

Royster moved back to Toledo, where she continually visited, to start over. She is a domestic violence resource specialist in Lucas County Juvenile Court. But she wanted to do more for youths.

“I said I’ve got to do something. I don’t believe that God saved me to sit [around] and not pay it forward.” So she founded Open Arms.

Her message for parents especially is that they need to be educated on the problems these youths face. “Everybody can play a role in being a solution to ending youth homelessness, teen dating violence, and human trafficking” – issues she said does not discriminate by race, gender, or socioeconomic status.

For now, though, the main thing is to get a brick-and-mortar place of their own. “If anyone knows someone who has a house in an urban area that may not be using it, it would definitely be a blessing.”

Free Holiday Fun at ‘Christmas at the Cabin’ Event

By

Kim Krieger

-

December 3, 2024

Santa and Mrs. Claus in chairs in cabin — The Christmas at the Cabin event will be on Dec. 6 and 7 at the Fulton County Fairgrounds in Wauseon, Ohio.

Families from throughout the region are invited to ring in the holiday season at the free Christmas at the Cabin event at the Fulton County Fairgrounds in Wauseon, Ohio. On Friday, December 6 and Saturday, December 7, guests can enjoy hands-on activities, visit a petting zoo, meet Santa and the Grinch and so much more!

“The 4th annual Christmas at the Cabin event is a wonderful way for families to create special memories together,” shared Judy Warncke from the Museum of Fulton County. “This annual event is free of charge, thanks to our generous sponsors. Families can visit the cabin, blacksmith shop and Junior Fair Building where you will find Fulton County employers/organizations with fun activities for all ages to enjoy!”

Families can gather in the historic Canfield Cabin to have a picture taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus and visit the Grinch and Cindy Lou Hoo at the Sheriff’s Office. At the Reighard Blacksmith Shop guests can watch the blacksmith working at the forge.

1 of 3

There will be fun, hands-on activities and crafts in the Junior Fair Building. Children can build an ornament, make a jingle bell craft and watch the model trains on display. The holiday event also features a petting zoo where families can meet and feed a variety of animals including goats, alpacas, rabbits and sheep.

New this year, guests can enjoy breakfast and have their picture taken with Olaf on Saturday morning. The free breakfast will include pancakes & sausage on a stick, muffins, bananas, oranges or apples, milk, juice and coffee. A free will offering is suggested to help cover the expenses of the meal.

Christmas at the Cabin is presented annually by the Museum of Fulton County. Open Monday thru Saturday from 10 a.m.–4 p.m., this world-class museum shares 5000 years of history with exhibits highlighting the men and women who shaped Fulton County. The museum and Legacy Gift Shop are located at 8848 State Highway 108, across from the Fulton County Fairgrounds.

RELATED: What’s On Our Bookshelf this December

Other Christmas at the Cabin partners include OhioMeansJobs|Fulton County, Fulton County Visitors Bureau, Worthington Steel, North Star BlueScope, Walmart Community Grants and several other community organizations and businesses.

“Christmas is a time for togetherness, joy, and the warmth of shared experiences and the collective spirit of our community,” shared Chris Beck, event co-chair. “By working together with the Museum of Fulton County and all the other participants, we created an event that not only celebrates the Christmas season but also strengthens the fabric of our community.”

The 2024 Christmas at the Cabin hours are from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, December 6 and from 9 a.m. until noon on Saturday, December 7. The event is held annually at the Futon County Fairgrounds located at 8514 State Route 108, Wauseon (Exit 34 of the Ohio Turnpike). Parking is free and there is no admission fee for this memorable Christmas event.

To learn more about the Christmas at the Cabin event or planning a visit to the nearby Museum of Fulton County call 419-337-7922 or visit museumoffultoncounty.org. Additional information is also available on the Museum Facebook and Instagram pages.

Teens Needed for 2025 Lucas County 4-H Camp Volunteer Roles

By

Toledo Parent Staff

-

December 3, 2024

Teenagers in Lucas County have the opportunity to gain leadership experience by volunteering as camp counselors for the 2025 4-H Camp at Camp Palmer in Fayette, Ohio. The camp will take place from July 26-29 and the Ohio State University Extension’s Lucas County office is encouraging teens to apply by Friday, Jan. 3.

Teens interested in volunteering must be at least 14 years old by the start of camp. There is a required $50 fee to cover program costs.

“We are looking for mature, responsible, and caring older teens to provide the best experience for young 4-H campers,” said Jess Burns, 4-H educator for Extension Lucas County. “This is a unique opportunity to be active outdoors while working with youth, making new friends and gaining valuable employment skills for the future. We are seeking teens who demonstrate the four key values of the 4-H Clover: Head, Heart, Hands & Health.”

RELATED: 2024 Summer Camp Guide

The OSU Extension is a nonprofit educational resource in Lucas County, offering a variety of programs for youth and families. The 4-H program focuses on informal education and youth development. In addition to the annual 4-H camp and fair, 4-H Youth Development also provides in-school and after-school programs throughout the county.

“We offer camp counselors an opportunity to lead and supervise campers in high-ropes and zip- lining, canoeing, archery, swimming, nature, and creature-finding walks, teambuilding challenges and group activities. In addition, we provide 20 hours of training on camp counselor core competencies,” said Burns. “All of our programming is designed to help educate and embody positive activities and habits for youth in Lucas County.”

For more information or to inquire about volunteering, contact Jess Burns at [email protected] or 419-574-0976.

Pick up a Free Storytime Kit at Swanton Public Library

By

Mary Genson

-

December 2, 2024

The Swanton Public Library is offering free storytime kits for preschool children this December, featuring a take-home packet that includes a copy of the book “The Biggest Christmas Tree Ever” by Steven Kroll. The kits are available from December 2-30, while supplies last.

Each kit includes a variety of fun, engaging activities designed to enhance the storytime experience. In addition to the book, the packets contain coloring sheets, activity sheets, stickers, magnets, a craft, an instrument and a handout with rhymes and weblinks.

The featured book, “The Biggest Christmas Tree Ever,” tells the story of two friends, Clayton and Desmond, who are excited by the prospect of finding the biggest Christmas tree ever. The story begins the day after Thanksgiving, when the two friends, inspired by the chilly weather, set off on their holiday adventure.

RELATED: What’s On Our Bookshelf this December

To accompany the story, families can visit the library’s YouTube channel, Storytime Anytime, at this link to hear the book read aloud. Afterward, children can enjoy the various activities included in the kit.

They ask that families only take home one book/kit per household. Families who take home a kit are encouraged to share their experience on the library’s website at splyouth.org, where they can leave comments about how the storytime at home went.

For more information, call the Swanton Public Library at 419-826-2760, visit their website at swantonpubliclibrary.org, or stop by the library in person.

The Toledo Crash Offers Competitive Sports for All

By

Kim Krieger

-

December 1, 2024

Men in wheelchairs playing basketball — Toledo Crash is an integrated wheelchair football team that is all inclusive.

While wheelchairs and football may seem an unlikely combination, a unique program offered by The Ability Center has made scoring a touchdown a reality for sports enthusiasts with and without disabilities.

Started nearly 24 years ago, the Toledo Crash football program fully took off in 2003 in partnership with The Ability Center. The team took a break in 2016 but with renewed interest, the program is now back and better than ever!

“The Toledo Crash is an integrated wheelchair football team dedicated to increasing awareness and building community,” shared Maggie Dreier, director of independent living at The Ability Center. “The purpose of the team is for everyone to enjoy playing a competitive sport together and have fun along the way, just like any other sports team. Everyone, whether they have a disability or not, gets to see what is possible. Outdated stereotypes die on the court and the real meaning of independent living is seen. The name of the team speaks for itself and is the love of the game.”

As a center for independent living, The Ability Center is focused on making Toledo the most disability friendly community in the nation.

“It made sense to add adaptive sports along with our other programming,” Dreier added. “All of our programs are all inclusive, meaning whether you have a disability or not, you are welcome.”

group in gym — Originally, Toledo Crash began 24 years ago. After a hiatus, it is back in a big way.

The Toledo Crash football program follows the rules of traditional American football with adaptations made to accommodate players using sports wheelchairs. The game is played on a basketball court with a 7-man team. Using a Nerf or rubber football, players block, run routes, catch the ball, stop the run, and cover receivers. From the opening kick-off to rushing, tackling, intercepting the ball and scoring a touchdown, it’s an exciting and fast-paced game.

Using different classifications for players who have varied abilities, wheelchair football allows all individuals to compete on an equal basis. Level one players have fully functioning arms, hands and eyes and must catch and hold onto the ball. Level two players have limited arm and hand movement or a visual impairment. Level three players have minimal/no arm movement or are blind, with noise-making devices used to help players locate their target. Depending on a player’s level, the rules vary for running, tackling, recovering a fumble, completing or intercepting a pass.

RELATED: Toledo Area Activities for Students with Disabilities

“The best part of this program is that everyone can play, and the rules adapt according to ability level to keep things fair,” Dreier added. “But do not let the sound of adaptations swing you into thinking this is a fluff sport. These players will dump you out of your chair. It is a great time!”

People in wheelchairs in gym — Anyone older than 14 is welcome to join the fun.

The Toledo Crash football season runs from October through February. Crash Football is a public team and anyone 14 and older is welcome to play, with sports chairs provided. Practices are held on Tuesdays from 4:30-6 p.m. at The Ability Center located at 5605 Monroe Street in Sylvania. Game locations vary and opponents include local teams of players with and without disabilities. The annual championship game will be held with the Toledo Rocket football team on January 25 on the University of Toledo campus.

Although the season is currently underway, Toledo Crash is always looking for new players and is also looking for groups or organizations who would like to play against Toledo Crash. More information about the Crash Football program is available on The Ability Center’s website or by calling 419-885-5733. Additional information and a link to sign-up for the program can be found on the Toledo Crash Football team’s Facebook page, facebook.com/ToledoCrash.