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Bethel Park student continues tradition of spreading Christmas cheer as Santa

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Harry Funk/The Almanac

Greyson, left, and Jacob Pitoniak spread holiday cheer in the dining room of Paramount Senior Living At South Hills in Bethel Park.

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Jacob Pitoniak gets cards ready to hand out to residents of Paramount Senior Living At South Hills in Bethel Park.

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Greyson Pitoniak is ready to hand out candy canes.

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A resident of Paramount Senior Living At South Hills in Bethel Park holds the card that was given to him by Jacob Pitoniak.

When he was 5, Jacob Pitoniak of Bethel Park asked for a certain type of red suit, complete with white beard, that is popular this time of year.

“I remember liking Santa a lot, and I love to be kind and spread joy, especially Christmas joy,” Jacob said.

Since then, the now-12-year-old has made an annual tradition of visiting nursing homes, hospitals and assisted-living residences, bringing with him plenty of holiday cheer.

Assisting him this year is younger brother Greyson, dressed like one of Santa’s elves, handing out candy canes as Jacob distributes cards to folks who almost invariably have a smile for them.

“I really love the reactions when I give them the cards,” Jacob said, “and sometimes just when they see me, too.”

The sixth-grader at Neil Armstrong Middle School has been acknowledged in the Bethel Park Kindness Project 2021. He was interviewed by Mayor Jack Allen on his BPTV program, during which Jacob, naturally, wore his Santa Claus suit.

“Christmas is about giving,” he told the mayor, “and Santa is giving.”

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