Photo by Ed Whitman. L-R – Lisa Castro, Jessica Nolan, Santa, Tara Nolan and TomNolan at the PAL special-needs Christmas Party
The Yonkers Police Athletic League held its 29th annual holiday party Dec. 2 at the Walshin Center. Every year, more than 300 children and adults with special needs from Yonkers and the surrounding area visit PAL with their friends and families for a day of holiday fun.
Singer/DJLinda Miller got everyone up and dancing, and singers Mike Bello and PhilCaggiano added to the holiday spirt. Thanks was expressed to Giulio’s Restaurant and Santos Brothers Bakery for providing food for all.
Santa Claus came down from the rooftop of the Walshin Center and gave everyone a gift, courtesy of the PAL. Santa heard many requests for gifts, including a video game, radio and watch.
Several of the requests touched Santa’s heart: One special-needs adult 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.
Santa left with a better understanding of Christmas – thanks to all the attendees.
TaraConte from the city parks department and dozens of PAL volunteers helped toorganize the party, as they do every year.
“The atmosphere was filled with warmth and seasonal festivity and of course, no one trumps Santa! A big Thank You to all the volunteers who helped to make this day a very special event and a shout-out to our Mayor and members of the City Council who showed up to lend their support. All in all, I think our own Angelo Martinelli and Chris Pallandra would have been proud. What a wonderful way for the PAL to jump-start the holidays,” said Melvina Lathan, PAL Vice-President.
