Benedetto kicks off campaign
Assemblyman Michael Benedetto held his campaign kickoff at Cestra’s
Gourmet Pizza, 3631 E. Tremont Ave. on Dec. 16
On Dec. 22, NYC Democrat Councilman
Mark Gjonaj had a Holiday
Cheer Parade Float go through the
neighborhoods of Morris Park, Pelham
Parkway, Pelham Gardens and
Allerton. The fi nal stop of the parade
fl oat was outside of Key Food Supermarket
at Lydig Avenue. At the fi nal
stop there was a toy giveaway where
kids got a toy of their choice, Attendees
also received sweets, PPE and
other items.
BRONX TIMES REPORTER, J BTR AN. 7-13, 2022 25
On Dec. 28, the Albanian & American
Open Hand Association and
MQuin Photography held their annual
Toy Giveaway. The young adults
were greeted outside with hand sanitizer,
masks if needed by NYC Councilman
Mark Gjonaj. They then went
in where they chose their toy of choice.
They were also given the opportunity
to pick a glove and hat of choice. Before
exiting, young adults also took a photo
with Santa and received a book.
Santa OK’s the young ladies taking this awesome play stove home, with Aleksander Nilaj, of
the Albanian & American Open Hand Association Inc.
From left, Cestra’s owner Benny Berisha, Councilman Mark Gjonaj, Santa Tom Messina, Albion
Dresaj and Naim Mulipi pose with a pizza.
Photo courtesy Assemblyman Michael Benedetto’s offi ce
Councilman Mark Gjonaj staff organizing gifts. Photo Jewel Webber
Staff standing in the back of the table with hats and gloves. Miguel Nava, Aleksander Nilaj of
Albanian & American Open Hand Association Inc., Miriam Quinones, Pastor Miguel, Agnes A.
Saleim and Dila Kocaj. Photos Jewel Webber
NYC Councilman Mark Gjonaj’s
Holiday Cheer Parade Float and
Toy Giveaway
Albanian & American Open Hand
Association and MQuin Photography
hold annual Toy Giveaway