Karolina Smorczewska, Wojtek Wrobel and Anna Wrobel are helping to prepare the gifts.

Spirit of Mikolajki spreads across Midlands

Once again this year, the Midlands Polish Community (MPC) delivered packs of goodies to number of organisations in the region to celebrate the old Polish tradition of Little Santa (Mikolajki).

The initiative brought to life by Wojtek Wrobel, the vice chairman of MPC, was a success last year and came back even bigger this Christmas. Some 236 gift boxes were all prepared by volunteers in Wojtek's own home, turning the house into a real Santa's workshop.

Filled with sweet treats and personalised gifts for children with special needs, presents made their way to various organisations on December 6, which traditionally is the day for Polish children to find little gifts under their pillows.

Wojtek and other members of MPC delivered boxes to Esker House in Athlone, Midlands Simon Community, Longford Food Bank, St. Teresa's Special School in Ballinasloe, The Melting Pot in Roscommon, Offaly Domestic Violence Support Services in Tullamore, Ken Smollen Food Appeal and Teach Failte in Mullingar.

Organisers were very pleased to share Christmas spirit with their communities and plan to continue this lovely tradition in coming years.

And this Saturday, December 18, Midlands Polish Community invites everyone to the Civic Square in Athlone, where they deliver their next project: Live Music at Christmas Market. Everyone is welcome to join for a family afternoon full of Christmas magic.