MAYVILLE — Santa and Mrs. Claus presented 30 children with a Magical Christmas to remember thanks to Partners in Kind, an organically grown group of concerned citizens with a shared vision of kindness. The organization’s warmth was extended to families who have experienced a loss or hardship in 2017.

On Christmas Eve, Partners in Kind hosted a breakfast for several families, making a magical Christmas for the children. Breakfast fit for a kid was served and included waffles and Reindeer-formed pancakes, with all the extras. Each child also kept busy creating a craft while plates were cleared.

Next, Mrs. Claus read aloud, “The Polar Express” — a story that reminds us all of the wonder of Christmas, if only we believe. The children were delighted to receive a personal bell to ring to show their faith, analogous with the story line. Most of all, their eyes lit up upon the bell ringing and Santa’s arrival to the Mayville Diner’s Back Porch room, designated just for the party.

Santa gifted each child with a beautifully wrapped package, enveloping a personalized toy just for him/her.

Mrs. Claus or Melissa Pietrkiewicz, president and founder of Partners in Kind simply states, “our group wants to make Chautauqua County better by giving to working families who don’t get help anywhere else.”

For instance, the Jones family experienced a loss this year. Per mother, Jeannine, “the loss of our infant son, Reid, brought me to Melissa and Partners in Kind.” The Jones family would not be a family that is a part of the social services system, however, they certainly needed emotional and social support when they experienced the loss of their 11-week old son, Reid to leukemia, in July. Melissa was one of the first people to reach out to Mrs. Jones and her young family, with open arms, “Melissa is wonderful.” And that relationship was reciprocal — through a golf tournament and sale of an antique car in memory of Reid, funds were raised propelling Partners in Kind to become a not-for-profit, benefitting from these monies. In Jeannine’s words, she is “able to make certain Reid will always be remembered by giving to the community, in his memory through Partners in Kind.”

Mrs. Jones, her husband and three children were part of the Remember the Magic event Sunday. It was a hard day not having their baby brother with them but the outpouring love from the community, helped the sting. “Today is bittersweet,” said Jeannine. Likewise, Melissa says, “Today could not have happened if it weren’t for the Jones family.”

Other families were nominated to benefit from the Remember the Magic events through counselors and teachers in the area who were aware of families who were experiencing hardship. Charlotte Rink was invited for a special day with her Dad as her family continues to go through a trying time. Charlotte’s younger brother, Judson was home with his mom — he is undergoing cancer treatment.

Other key partners for the day were Tammy Racino and Dave Harriger, owners of Elevation Combat Sports Academy in Dunkirk, who donated time and money to the families for this second Remember the Magic date. The duo also hosted a dozen families and 20 young ones Saturday, December 16 for a Remember the Magic event that included use of the gym. Families were chauffeured through a snow storm to the site and enjoyed cookie decorating, storytelling, Mr. and Mrs. Claus, gifts and more.

Other community supporters included Super Duper Catering, Amanda Bracey Photography, G and E Tents, Cakes by Brandy, Shelly B. And Christ Community Church Fredonia State Bookstore Staff, Lisa Langford Usborne Books and the Christmas Angels.

Partners in Kind has 131 members who are expected to volunteer for 4 projects throughout the year. You can find them on Facebook or at partnersinkindchq.org.