AUSTINTOWN — Leonard Kirtz School got a surprise visit this week from the big jolly fellow in the red suit.

Santa was bearing gifts for all 70 students at the school.

“Our Mahoning County Board of Developmental Disabilities board president Joe Pecchia is our Santa,” said Tricia Perry, community education specialist. “It is a role he loves and he is very good at it.”

Pecchia has been representing the real Santa Claus at LKS for the past five years.

This year he had goodies for all of the students who range in age from 5 to 21. The gifts were part of a giving tree where staff and friends chip in and help out the elves.

Gifts ranged from clothes, cookies and treats, to activities, puzzles, toys, music items and backpacks.

Pecchia said Santa’s visit to the school is something the kids and families look forward to each year.

“They absolutely light up when Santa enters the room,” Pecchia said. “Their excitement is infectious. The look on their faces is what makes it all worthwhile for me.”

He said in his portrayal of Santa, he has been trained in how to interact with a child with a developmental disability. He tries not to be too “bombastic” or to use lights that would bother them.

For the students, this visit is one they may not otherwise be able to have. Pecchia said it is often difficult for parents or guardians to take their child to a mall or store where lines may be long and tedious. At LKS the students can interact with Santa in an environment they are more used to.

The last day of school for LKS was Wednesday, leaving the kids to head home for Christmas break with a pleasant memory.

As for Pecchia, he takes away a special feeling.

“All of us at MCBDD know our WHY,” he said. “We are here to be a blessing to those we serve. We truly have no other purpose. So whatever I can do or whatever part I can play to a blessing to the LKS students, then I’m all in. I love each and every one of them and they are very special to me. I wish everyone could see their faces from my vantage point when they are eagerly waiting for their gift bag. It is a very special time for me.”

jtwhitehouse@vindy.com