Republicans join a prominent Democrat at holiday event
Nearly 1,000 schoolchildren and their parents came out to receive Christmas gifts at a charity event in Longwood on Dec. 17. State Sen. Ruben Diaz Sr. made sure the adults in the crowd knew whom to thank.
“You know who provided the toys? The New York State Republican Party,” Diaz, wearing his trademark cowboy hat and bolo tie, told the packed house in the auditorium of I.S. 216 on Fox Street.
For the second year in a row, the longtime Democratic incumbent hosted the event alongside some of the state’s most prominent Republicans. Working with the Toys for Tots Foundation, the GOP helped raise about $30,000 to buy toys for local kids in one of the state’s most staunchly Democratic districts.
“I don’t care if you’re a donkey or an elephant. You bring smiles to my kids’ faces and that’s all I need,” said Community Board 2 chairman Dr. Ian Amritt.
The politicians took turns at the mic, applauding Diaz for sharing their conservative values, and thanked him for hosting the event. Soon-to-be State Senate majority leader Dean Skelos presented Diaz with an acoustic guitar as a gift.
“This is a cowboy now with a guitar,” said Diaz, smiling and strumming.
Overwhelmed by the sight of so many toys, the children in the audience began bouncing in their seats during the speeches. Sensing their excitement, the former Republican candidate for governor, Rob Astorino, cut to the chase and asked the kids in Spanish to call out for Santa. “Griten si quieren Santa Claus!” he yelled, to raucous cheers.
The kids soon got their wish when Santa came running down the aisle to a soundtrack of “Feliz Navidad.” They then picked their toys from piles of Barbie dolls, Star Wars action figures, Hot Wheels cars and more. U.S. Marines joined the politicians, manning the toy boxes.
“It’s good being back home and giving back to the community,” said Staff Sergeant Brian Gomez, who attended I.S. 216 as a kid.
Turnout was so high that children were still lined up long after most of the politicians had left. Many families, lacking the income to buy gifts, waited for hours.
“They want to do something for us, Republicans? We need a home,” said Valerie Williams, whose son Omar was happy with his racecar set, but would be sleeping in a shelter later that night.
Denise Peacock, also a shelter resident, had four children in tow. Her son, Trelson, held a Superman box as big as he was. Peacock said she was trying to stay positive for her kids.
“I try to make every day Christmas, I try to make ’em happy,” she said. “That’s the most I can give, my time.”