Nearly 500 children from NYCHA developments citywide rung in the holiday season during NYCHA’s 21^st Annual Holiday Toy/Food Drive held at the Manhattanville Community Center on Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2011. The young NYCHA residents celebrated and received donated toys from retailer JC Penney, and even had the opportunity to take a traditional Christmas photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The children were also treated to performances by members of NYCHA’s Performing Arts Program and the Youth Chorus and Senior Choir.

Santa Claus poses with NYCHA youth. (Photo by Leticia Barboza)

Additionally, keeping with the holiday spirit of sharing, more than 1,100 pounds of canned food was collected for hungry New Yorkers during the Food Drive to benefit needy families, collected on behalf of the Food Bank of NYC. Decorated containers were placed at the entrance of the community center and each participating child donated at least one can of food.

Woodside Community Center in Queens was recognized as ‘bringing the most canned goods from any individual center,’ with 225 cans of food donated.  Overall, 15 NYCHA community centers from all five boroughs embraced the wonderful tradition of giving to those less fortunate during the holiday season and donated food making the Food Drive a success.                                               

Some of the celebration highlights included a performance by the Gowanus Wildcats, a group of energetic young steppers from Brooklyn, a Holiday Skit performed by an inter-generational cast of residents and guest performers expressing the joy of the holiday season, topped by a lively dance number by KGB, winners in the teen category in this year’s NYCHA Talent Show at the Apollo. 

NYCHA youth enjoy their gifts at holiday toy drive. (Photo by Leticia Barboza)

There were plenty of smiles to go around as the kids joined in on a sing-a-long with Mrs. Claus, and Santa did his part as he sat and posed with the kids making them merry with the warmth and joy of the season. 

NYCHA Chairman John B. Rhea, Deputy General Manager for Community Programs and Development Sharon Myrie, and Assistant Deputy General Manager Deidra Gilliard, among others, did the honors of playing Santa for a bit and distributed the donated toys, books, and matching hat and scarf sets courtesy of the event sponsors, to every child as the celebration came to an end.

By Heidi Morales
December 14, 2011