Brooklyn Council Member Dr. Mathieu Eugene on Saturday hosted his annual Holiday Toy Party as PS 217 in Brooklyn.
Dr. Eugene, representative for the 40th Council District in Brooklyn, said the annual event “brings the community together in celebration of the holiday season.”
The councilman welcomed families and introduced special guest singer Corine Jean, who led an acapella rendition of “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire.”
The performance was followed by the toy distribution, during which over 300 gifts, donated by local vendors, were handed out by Eugene and his staff to students and their families.
“This is a wonderful event for the children and their families,” the Haitian-born representative said. “This is something that I have been doing for many years.
“There are many families who are unable to purchase toys for their families during the holiday season, and I am very happy to have the opportunity to provide these children with toys to celebrate the holidays,” he added. “This is an important thing for me to do, because I remember vividly, when my father bought toys for me and my brothers, it was a wonderful moment.
“This is a very special opportunity, because children love toys, especially during this time of year,” Eugene continued. “I believe it our moral obligation to share our blessings with those who are less fortunate than ourselves, and the annual Toy Party is an important way to do that.”
Eugene said his annual Holiday Toy Party featured over 300 gifts for students of all ages, as well as a musical performance and refreshments in the school’s cafeteria.
