Meet the Davis Family at Magication Station

WHERE THE MAGIC HAPPENS!

BY CHRISTINA MCGAIRK

In the heart of downtown Pendleton, IN, you can find Elfie. Dressed in his signature elf costume complete with a green pointy hat with bells, curled red shoes, and a highoctave voice, he brings joy and laughter to kids and adults alike. On his non-elf days, he’s known as Nathan Davis.

Nathan, originally from Virginia Beach, VA, is the owner of Magication Station, which he owns with his wife, Latoya Allen-Davis. The toy store, which opened in April of 2021, is full of toys that encourage handson learning, creativity, and problem-solving. The store also caters to children with sensory processing disorder (SPD) by offering a variety of sensory toys. This includes “Maddie’s Puzzle Pals”, which Nathan named after his daughter Madison, 14, who is autistic. The plushies range from giraffes to bears to bunnies and have 1-pound weights filled with black beans. Scent packs can be added to the plushies as well.

But Magication Station is more than just a toy store. It’s also a place for fostering child development through play with a particular focus on those with special needs. “The store has become a safe haven; a place where an autistic child can be themselves,” said Nathan.

Since Madison, the Davis’s oldest child, received her autism diagnosis at age 8, the family has learned a lot about what it means to be on the spectrum. The Davis’s also have a younger daughter, Kensington (Kensie), who is 10. “Kensie is more like the big sister,” said Latoya. “She is very protective of Maddie.”

What makes Magication Station extra special is Nathan’s character Elfie. Elfie, who was birthed from a Christmas event he participated in a few years ago, has a unique way of making balloon animals. With just a few twists and turns, he can transform a plain balloon into a wonderful creature. Elfie even adds lights and scents to his balloons upon request. Some of his balloon creations include butterflies, camels, and even a light-up fire-breathing dragon. Elfie can perform magic tricks as well.

Elfie doesn’t always hang out in the store, though. Once a month, between April and October, you can find him at Falls Park in Pendleton, cleaning up trash with kids from the area. You can also find him hanging out with the Easter Bunny and Santa when their holidays arrive. Elfie visits ABA centers and also talks to kids about bullying, which he does not tolerate at all.

The Davis family, who moved to Indiana in 2016, are deeply rooted in their community. We were involved with the Pendleton Lions Club, I did step away for now due to scheduling. We have worked with the Kiwanis club, but have yet to join their ranks. Maddie is in Girl Scouts, and Kensie is on the student council at her school. “You can’t expect support unless you give it,” said Latoya.

Magication Station has shown the community that every individual is unique and that these differences should be celebrated. It’s a testament to the power of love, community, and a little bit of elf magic. The store and the Davis family are an inspiration to all, reminding us that we can bring joy to others while caring for our loved ones with special needs.

To learn more about Magication Station, visit magicationstation.com or on Facebook at facebook.com/ magicationstation.

Magication Station

126 W. State St., Pendleton, IN 46064 (765) 465-9299