Our 2025 Christmas Event was amazing!
Thanks to our incredible partners, donors, volunteers, and staff, this past Christmas was a truly impactful and memorable experience for so many families.
More than 300 children from extremely impoverished households were able to write wish-list letters sharing what they hoped for this Christmas. Through our partnership with NY Cares, generous donors from across New York City received these letters, purchased the requested gifts, and shipped them to our headquarters in Sunset Park, Brooklyn—transforming our office into Santa’s workshop!
The economic hardship faced by the families we serve is very real. Many children asked not for toys, but for basic necessities such as shoes, blankets, or jackets. This reality did not deter our compassionate supporters. In fact, many donors reached out asking, “Can I buy them a toy as well as clothing?”—to which we happily replied, “Of course!”
We wanted the day of distribution to be truly special—one that would be a meaningful and lasting memory for every family. Thanks to the creativity and dedication of our staff and volunteers, we made that vision a reality.
As families arrived, they were checked in and seated while busy elves gathered their presents and placed them beneath the Christmas tree. One by one, families were ushered into a Christmas Wonderland. They were first greeted by one of Santa’s elves, who welcomed them and guided them to the tree, where Santa’s chief elf pulled their gifts from underneath. Children chatted with Santa, shared smiles, took photos, and enjoyed plenty of hugs before continuing on to the festivities.
Next, families were warmly welcomed by one of COC’s community liaisons, who offered support, shared information about community resources, and asked how we could further assist them. More hugs followed
Before heading home, families were greeted by yet more elves who offered a warm cup of cocoa for the journey. The smiles on their faces said it all.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our donors, sponsors, and community partners for their generosity and commitment—especially NY Cares and their corporate donors, Brianna Salon, and Zion Church. None of this would have been possible without you
