Families braved the December chill Saturday morning, forming a line around Mayfield Banquet Hall for the 41st annual Snack with Santa event. Inside, Theresa Santucci and Ruben Saucedo, dressed as Mr. and Mrs. Claus, greeted children with smiles and gifts.
“Even in blizzards, families line up down the block,” said Mary Ann Dybala, who founded the event. “It shows how much this event means to our community.”
The celebration, organized with support from the Midway Chamber of Commerce and its president, Mary Ellen Brown, has become a fixture in the Midway area of Chicago’s southwest side.
Dybala said the inspiration came from her childhood in Brighton Park, where a neighborhood Christmas event left a lasting impression.
“I wanted to recreate that magic for other families,” she said. The event began in a small hall but grew after a local business owner offered a larger venue. “He said, ‘Next year, you’ll get the full hall for free,’ and that generosity has continued ever since,” Dybala said.
This year’s event, held at Mayfield Banquet Hall, 6072 S. Archer Ave., attracted hundreds of families.
Children 10 and younger posed for photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, assisted by Dr. Joseph Coler, a local chiropractor who has volunteered for nearly 30 years.
“I do it for the joy of the children,” Coler said.
A vendor fair added new elements, featuring businesses like FCJ Designs, which showcased 3D-printed items, and Encantos De Yari, a bilingual children’s bookstore. Gabriella Cervantes of FCJ Designs said her work is inspired by her daughters, Clara and Ezra.
“Seeing the joy these items bring to others makes all the effort worth it,” she said.
Encantos De Yari’s owner said, “Seeing families discover books that represent their culture or even their names is incredibly moving. It’s about fostering identity and equity.”
Local bakeries donated snacks, and entertainment was provided by Chicago Hope Midway Church carolers and Chio’s Puppetry.
“Seeing the kids light up as they meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus makes all the effort worthwhile,” Brown said.
Dybala emphasized the collective effort behind the event’s success. “This is truly a gift from the community to the community,” she said.
As families left with toys, books, and smiles, first-time attendee Marianne reflected on the impact of the event.
“You never realize how much someone’s kindness can lift your day,” she said.