By Nelson A. King
Public Advocate, Jumaane Williams
and Brooklyn Borough President,
Eric Adams were among
local legislators who extended
Christmas greetings to the community
and constituents on
Christmas Day.
“Merry Christmas to the millions
of Christians around the
world who celebrate the birth of
Jesus Christ today,” said Williams,
the son of Grenadian immigrants,
in an email message. “The story of
Jesus is one of humble beginnings,
a refugee who sought a better life
and made a better world.
“His revolutionary message of
justice and equity, of standing
up to the oppressor and standing
for the oppressed, has sustained
across millennia and is deeply resonant
today,” he added.
“Christmas is a time for joyful
tradition and peaceful fellowship,”
Williams continued. “In the
exchange of gifts, the company
of our friends and families, the
sharing of meals and stories, let
us exhibit love and kindness in
recognition of what is honored on
Christmas.
“The holidays are about coming
together as one family to celebrate
the blessings we have been
given and the values we hold dear,
together,” he said. “On behalf of
my family and staff, I wish a joyous
Merry Christmas to everyone
celebrating today in the city. I am
honored to serve.”
On behalf of all Brooklynites,
Adams said in his email message
that he wanted “to wish you a very
merry Christmas.
“I hope the magic of this special
season fills you and your loved
ones with joy, and that you share
that joy with others in your community,
especially those in need,”
he said. “Christmas not only provides
us with an opportunity to
gather in the spirit of giving and
love, but also to reflect on the past
year and the year to come.
“From my Borough Hall family
to yours, I wish you peace and
blessings on this happy holiday,”
Adams added.
Council Member Mathieu Eugene and volunteers distribute toys to children at the annual Holiday Toy Party Offi ce
of Council Member Dr. Mathieu Eugene
Eugene hosts Holiday Toy Party
Caribbean Life, Dec. 27, 2019-Jan. 2, 2020 3
By Nelson A. King
Brooklyn Council Member Dr. Mathieu
Eugene on Saturday hosted his
annual Holiday Toy Party as PS 217 in
Brooklyn.
Dr. Eugene, representative for the
40th Council District in Brooklyn, said
the annual event “brings the community
together in celebration of the holiday
season.”
The councilman welcomed families
and introduced special guest singer
Corine Jean, who led an acapella rendition
of “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open
Fire.”
The performance was followed by the
toy distribution, during which over 300
gifts, donated by local vendors, were
handed out by Eugene and his staff to
students and their families.
“This is a wonderful event for the
children and their families,” the Haitian
born representative said. “This is
something that I have been doing for
many years.
“There are many families who are
unable to purchase toys for their families
during the holiday season, and I
am very happy to have the opportunity
to provide these children with toys
to celebrate the holidays,” he added.
“This is an important thing for me to
do, because I remember vividly, when
my father bought toys for me and my
brothers, it was a wonderful moment.
“This is a very special opportunity,
because children love toys, especially
during this time of year,” Eugene continued.
“I believe it our moral obligation
to share our blessings with those
who are less fortunate than ourselves,
and the annual Toy Party is an important
way to do that.”
Eugene said his annual Holiday Toy
Party featured over 300 gifts for students
of all ages, as well as a musical
performance and refreshments in the
school’s cafeteria.
Council Member Mathieu Eugene
welcomes students and parents to
the annual Holiday Toy Party at PS
217. Offi ce of Council Member Dr. Mathieu
Eugene
Williams,
Adams
extend
Christmas
greetings
Students fi ll the PS 217 auditorium at the annual Holiday Toy Party. Offi ce of Council Member Dr. Mathieu Eugene