BELMONT, the Bronx (PIX11) — Christmas is a wonderful time to celebrate the communities in which we live.
There was a moving tree lighting celebration that highlighted the generosity of neighbors who helped in Bronx Little Italy on Saturday.
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The moment Santa arrived, there was a shout of delight from the more than 1,000 children and adults who lined up online waiting for the toy giveaway and free Italian cookies and hot chocolate.
“It’s amazing what is being done for the community,” said Zoraida Irizarry, who attended the Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
It was the 10th annual tree lighting at Ciccarone Park, sponsored by the Belmont Business Improvement District. There was so much joy as the countdown to the tree lighting began.
“We celebrate the Christmas season here on Arthur Avenue,” said Alyssa Tucker, executive director of the Belmont Business Improvement District. “We really tell people to enjoy our excellent dining options.”
More than 2,000 toys were collected by the Children’s Cancer Society with help from local businesses and the FDNY.
“We’re going to do what we do to partner with local businesses to collect toys,” said Maria Villa Lobos, organizer of a toy drive for the Children’s Cancer Society.
A mother with a young child, Miguelina Perez, said: “Especially in these difficult times, this means a lot.” Her daughter liked the Barbie she got.
The message of the tree lighting is to come support the restaurants and shops on Arthur Avenue this holiday season.
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