PAL Christmas Party for People with Special Needs

Tom Nolan, second from right, attends his 14th PAL Christmas Party with, from left, his mother, Santa Claus (Dave Vilar), and his aunt, photo by Ed Whitman

For the 31st year, the Yonkers Police Athletic League welcomed children with special needs and adults to the PAL Walshin Center for its annual Christmas party. Every year, more than 100 friends and families gather for a day of holiday fun, and this year was no different.

During the Dec. 8 event, food was provided by Rory Dolan’s and music was provided by DJ Mikey Sal, who got everyone in the spirt with songs for the season. Santa made a special appearance – as always – to wish everyone a merry Christmas and give everyone a gift, courtesy of the PAL.

Santa heard many requests for gifts, including a video game and other electronics. Several of the requests touched Santa’s heart: One adult with special needs asked for peace on Earth, and another asked for her family to be safe this holiday season. Several others asked for nothing more than to be at the party.