Brooklyn families got into the holiday spirit during the 15th annual Gift of Giving Holiday Celebration, held on Dec. 16 at Dyker Beach Golf Course.

More than 200 children and their families were invited to delight in the holiday festivities and participate in various activities, including a surprise visit from everyone’s favorite North Pole resident. Santa Claus was available for photo ops, and his elves performed an entertaining show for the attendees. 

The venue, located just below the Verrazano Bridge at 1030 86th St., supplied event-goers with a hot buffet and refreshments. 

With support from the Gift of Giving LLC and the Brooklyn Sunset Park Lions Club, each child received a colorfully wrapped Christmas present to take home. One lucky student from P.S. 180 The SEEALL Academy, walked away with a new bicycle donated by Mr. C’s Cycles. 

The Gift of Giving Holiday Celebration was born from a shared goal between co-founders Carlo Lenzi, an event director at the golf course, and Cynthia Felix Jeffers of the Brooklyn Sunset Park Lions Club, who hoped to extend holiday festivities to less fortunate families.

Lenzi died on Dec. 17 — just one day after this year’s Gift of Giving — but “his legacy will live on through this beloved event, which he worked tirelessly to create and nurture,” Felix Jeffers said.

Last year, more than 950 toys were distributed, helping to spread Christmas cheer to families and hospital-bound children. 

“This event is all about making the day special for the children and families. We love the collaboration with the high school students, as it teaches them the importance of giving back and what it means to help those in need,” Felix Jeffers said. “It’s truly a magical day that embodies the gift of giving!” 

High School of Telecommunications Arts & Technology students led the charge this holiday season, collecting and distributing gifts to families in need. They tirelessly wrapped over 700 gifts, all donated from local businesses and community members. In addition to the Gift of Giving event, donated toys were distributed to several local family shelters, the Family Health Centers at NYU Langone-Brooklyn, and the Three Kings Celebration. 

The toy drive was a collaborative effort supported by the High School of Telecommunication Arts and Technology’s Student Government Organization, Dyker Heights Golf Club, Casper’s Cuts, the Brooklyn Sunset Park Lions Club, Gift of Giving LLC, CVS Health, Mr. C’s Cycles, Soleewavey LLC, Jetlagg LLC, Jeffrey Gaskins/414 Hicks St., 5 Boro Overland New York City, Beast Coast Adventures, Mud Kings Mafia, Gomammut, BTB Renovations, The Custom Shop, and IC Mechanical.