As the green-clad celebrations of St. Patrick’s Day approach, a New Jersey educator is bringing an extra sprinkle of magic—and kindness—to the holiday.
Kimberly Feehan-Ponte, a kindergarten teacher with more than 30 years of experience, has launched Paddy O’Laddy, a leprechaun doll designed to encourage children to embrace acts of kindness throughout the St. Patrick’s Day season. The doll, which comes with a pot of gold and an accompanying storybook, introduces young learners to the idea that small gestures of kindness can brighten someone’s day—whether at home, in the classroom, or in the community.
But Paddy O’Laddy isn’t just about festive fun; it’s also rooted in a deeply personal mission. A portion of proceeds from each sale supports a former student of Feehan-Ponte’s—seven-year-old Natalie—who is bravely battling brain cancer and preparing for her fourth surgery.
A Magical Launch for a Meaningful Mission
Paddy O’Laddy made his official debut at the Kindness Kickoff event, held on February 16 at Moxie Salon and Beauty Bar in Ridgewood. The event was a lively and colorful affair, filled with themed activities for children, including green hair dye, clip-in accessories, face painting, temporary tattoos, and Paddy O’Laddy-themed cookies. Families had the opportunity to meet Feehan-Ponte, hear the inspiration behind the doll, and take home their own signed Paddy O’Laddy storybook set.
“As a teacher, I’ve always believed in the power of kindness, so I wanted to bring it to life in a fun and magical way,” Feehan-Ponte explained. “St. Patrick’s Day is such a cherished holiday in schools and homes, and Paddy O’Laddy adds a special purpose to it—spreading joy and laughter while showing kids how kindness makes the world a brighter place.”
From the Classroom to the Community
Feehan-Ponte is no stranger to early childhood education. In addition to her decades as a kindergarten teacher, she has owned and operated Kimber’s Tots preschool in Wyckoff, NJ, and is a certified reading specialist. Her passion for helping young learners develop positive habits inspired her to create Paddy O’Laddy as a tool that blends storytelling, playful pranks, and simple kindness-driven activities into the St. Patrick’s Day tradition.
Unlike seasonal toys that focus on mischief or misbehavior, Paddy O’Laddy’s mission is to promote positive social behavior, encouraging children to perform small, meaningful acts of kindness in the spirit of the holiday.
How to Bring Paddy O’Laddy Home
With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, families looking to add a new tradition of kindness to their celebrations can purchase Paddy O’Laddy through the official website, www.paddyoladdy.com. Parents and teachers can also follow Paddy O’Laddy’s kindness community on Instagram and Facebook for ideas on how to incorporate the doll into their homes and classrooms.
For those looking for a festive and meaningful way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, Paddy O’Laddy offers a reminder that a little kindness can go a long way—something that lasts far beyond March 17th!
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