More than 80 children in the Canarsie, Brooklyn on Dec. 10 were the recipients of toys for their Christmas during the Brooklyn Canarsie Lions Club’s 2nd Annual Toy Distribution at the Holy Family School Auditorium on Flatlands Avenue in Brooklyn.
New Brooklyn Canarsie Lions Club member Nicole Thomas told Caribbean Life on Saturday that over 80 children and caregivers in the community attended the distribution ceremony, despite the treacherous weather.
“The Lions Club transformed the auditorium into a festive space, with a Christmas tree adorned with holiday lights, tables filled with toys and holiday music,” Thomas said. “Lions Club members wore Santa hats to add more cheer to the afternoon.
“And children were given goody bags with treats, as they waited for the festivities to begin,” she added.
In her welcome remarks, Brooklyn Canarsie Lions Club President, Dominican-born Jean Joseph, a certified public accountant (CPA), urged the children to focus on their studies.
She, subsequently, told Caribbean Life, that as an educator — a former school teacher in her native Dominica — children should be encourage on the direction in which they should go.
“A toy was a small token, but we should encourage our children on the direction to know what they want, give them some direction into their future,” said Joseph, who had called up each child during ceremony “and asked them what they want to be when they grow up.”
“We have doctors, lawyers and judges, among others, in our club,” she added. “One child said she wants to be a judge. I called up the lawyers and judges, etc. I just wanted to give the children some kind of direction, and they can be what they want to be.”
“The children then went on a hunt for Santa,” Thomas said.
With holiday music playing in the background, she said children and club members followed Lion Kamla Millwood around the auditorium chanting “Santa!”
“They peeked around corners and looked behind tables,” Thomas said. “Laughter filled the room as the children searched. Their faces lit up with joy when Santa finally appeared, and a King and Queen were named.”
Thomas said children received toys based on their age and interests, then took photos with Santa.
She said the 2nd Annual Toy Distribution was “a delightful event that created a sense of community and shared happiness.”
Thomas also said that the celebration “provided an opportunity for the Brooklyn Canarsie Lions Club to create lasting memories of warmth and kindness during the holiday season.”
