Brightening the holiday season for children throughout her district, Assemblywoman Naomi Rivera hosted the second annual ‘Christmas in the Bronx.’
On Saturday, December 6, Assemblywoman Rivera, in collaboration with the Bronx Central Council for Economic Development, brought Santa to six businesses for children to enjoy. The festivities began at The Sanz, located at 818 Allerton Avenue, and IHOP, also located at 818 Allerton Avenue.
Children from the region received free gifts and a picture with Santa and as an added bonus, a breakfast from IHOP, while parents and family members sipped coffee and hot chocolate.
“This is a time of giving and we have the facility available so we wanted to reach out to the community,” said Richard Sanz, owner of The Sanz. “Its good the community has a place they can count on every year to kick off the holiday and put them in the spirit.”
The ‘Christmas in the Bronx’ campaign traveled to Capital One Bank on Bainbridge Avenue, TD Bank on Williamsbridge Road, The Pelham Parkway Vision Center on Lydig Avenue, Forever More and Conti’s Pastry Shop on Morris Park Avenue.
Gifts distributed to the children were generously donated by the Yankees, Scary Stories Inc. and the Hispanic Federation.
“‘Christmas in the Bronx’ is truly a collaborative effort between our offices and local merchants,” noted Vincent Pinela, executive director of BCCED. “While children and families visit with Santa, we will hand out a coupon booklet with special savings from the local business owners.”
The coupon booklets are intended to encourage the community to support their local businesses.
“In light of the difficult economic times we are facing as a nation, I think this year’s event is more important than ever,” said Rivera. “I hope that it will bring joy to many community members and help bolster our small businesses.”
