CHICAGO—A heartwarming event on Chicago’s South Side is spreading holiday cheer and making the city proud.

On Sunday, Alderman Matt O’Shea from the 19th Ward hosted his beloved annual holiday breakfast in the Beverly neighborhood, drawing families from all around.

Attendees savored delicious pancakes and had the delightful opportunity to share their Christmas wishes directly with Santa Claus himself.

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Franconello Restaurant, located at the intersection of 102nd and Western, was filled with the joyful sounds of the season, creating a festive atmosphere.

This merry celebration, held just days before Christmas, united the community in a spirit of joy and goodwill. It also aimed to raise awareness for the Mt. Greenwood Special Recreation Association.

“It truly puts you in the holiday spirit, especially considering the world is still upside down,” remarked Alderman O’Shea, reflecting on the event’s uplifting impact.

The alderman has helped organize the beautiful breakfast and special time of fellowship for the past seven years.

The breakfast is all funded by Special Children’s Charities, which since 1969 has provided athletic, educational and life-enrichment opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Chicago.

“It’s life changing for these families,” O’Shea said. “There is such a strong bond between all of our athletes and all their pals from the program. But even more so for the families. These families here today, they all know each other.”

Forty kids and teens from the Mt. Greenwood Special Recreation Association spent time with the big man himself, making an early South Side stop, just a few days before his big trip around the world.

The Mother McAuley High School A Cappella Choir also blessed the morning with traditional Christmas carols as kids made some festive Christmas cookies with their families.

Local Mt. Greenwood Special Recreation athlete Kidd Carrig had the chance to direct the choir as they performed for guests, a special moment he won’t forget.

“I feel so happy about it,” Carrig said. “The girls were killing it, and they have beautiful voices, and I love them so much. I wish them to have a good Christmas.”

Kidd Carrig’s father, Tim, says it’s moments like this that highlight why he loves the 19th Ward.

“What they do with our kids in the neighborhood is second to none, it really is,” Tim Carrig said. “The support here is unmatched. It really is amazing.”

The reason for the season was lifting spirits on the South Side.