In New York City, holiday giving is taking place in both expected and unexpected places, from subway stations to school gyms. In Harlem, an annual Christmas toy drive at PS 197 brought together more than 1,200 families, providing children with toys and holiday cheer. Queen Harold, a participant, said, "Christmas is not really about toys, but I’m actually excited to get some toys so I can play with and stuff," according to PIX11. The event has been running for 18 years and continues to be a holiday tradition in the community.
At the 161 St/Yankee Stadium subway station, MTA employees are holding a holiday toy giveaway. The customer service center is decorated for the season and includes an "Elf on the Shelf." Esmeralda Pacheco said, "I love seeing the kids smile," and Maria Cora-Romero added, "It’s better for me to give than receive," and "I’ll see their faces, their smiles. It makes me happy when I give something to the kids," as reported by Bronx Times. Aasim Robertson, a 25-year MTA veteran, said the initiative aims to bring joy to children during the holiday season.
In New York, communities from Harlem to the South Bronx are coming together to give back during the holidays. At a Harlem toy drive, organizer Ms. Smalls said, "I was that same child. I didn’t have when I was small, so I was traumatized on Christmas. So now, I make so many kids happy and it just — it’s like therapy to me," as mentioned by PIX11. Similar efforts can be seen at subway stations and school gyms, showing how local groups are working to bring joy to children during the holiday season.
