Local Polish community marks 'Little Santa' tradition

Midlands Polish Community CLG (MPC) and its Community Support Group recently delivered boxes of goodies to a number of organizations in the region to celebrate the old Polish tradition of Little Santa (Mikolajki).

The initiative was first introduced by Vice Chairperson Wojtek Wrobel four years ago, and the MPC says it has been a great success every year since.

This year, over 220 gift boxes were prepared by volunteers in Wojtek’s own home, turning the house into a real Santa’s workshop.

Every year, MPC receives support for the initiative from the Polish Embassy in Dublin, and additional funds were collected during the Polish Independence Day celebrations in Drum Community Centre, Athlone in November, for which MPC would like to sincerely thank all for their donations and support.

Filled with sweets, the boxes were distributed to various organisations on Friday, December 6, which is traditionally the day when Polish children find the little gifts under their pillows in the morning.

Wojtek and the other members of MPC delivered boxes to local organisations including Esker House in Athlone, Midlands Simon Community, Melting Pot in Roscommon, Infinity Friends Athlone, and the Athlone Family Resource Centre, among others.

MPC said they received extremely positive feedback from the beneficiaries and were delighted that they could share the joyful spirit of Christmas and compassion.

MPC said it hopes to continue this tradition every year.