Local holiday market showcases crafts, food made by people with disabilities and special needs

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — The South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs held its fourth annual holiday market this morning inside their facility on Harden Street.

Constance Holloway is the agency’s State Director and says funds raised from the market assist providers in supporting the people they serve.

“I feel like I’m beaming, I don’t know if it’s coming through on the camera, but this is one of the most exciting events that we do every year. Not only do you get to see the vendors here, but you also get to see the people that this event is designed to support. So when you go to the different tables, you’ll be rung up by someone with a special needs or disability. And being able to interact with them always brings me joy, and being able to see them get the skills and job training that they need and want is always an exciting moment for DDSN,” says Holloway.

The 26 vendors at this year’s market are made up of providers and clients of the DDSN network, offering creative crafts and holiday food and beverages to shoppers.

Vendors like Lila and her mom Padgett Mozingo with “Lila’s Sweet Treats.”

Padgett says the home based business began a few years ago, and included door delivery during the pandemic.

“Now that we’re back out in the community it’s been a great learning opportunity for Lila to learn social skills, and our goal is that she can be her own business owner, and if she chooses something else, at least she’ll be employable,” says Padgett Mozingo.

And according to Lila, who also goes by “Limitless Lila,” their brownies are her favorite, but their other items like sourdough bread and cookies are delicious too.

“I like everything,” she says.

Corey Timbers helps out at the Babcock Center and helps create and paint wooden welcome signs.

“When there’s any work to be done at the woodshop, we have time to paint the big signs, paint designs on them, and paint everything on them,” Timbers says.

And Johna Morgan makes holiday and sports themed pillows and other festive items.

“We cut them out with material, we stuff them, and sell them,” says Morgan.

Holloway says the event has grown from having just around 10 vendors its first year to nearly 30 vendors this year.

“My hope is that this event will continue to grow, and that we’ll continue to do great things for the individuals that we serve,” Holloway says.