The lower hall of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Williamsburg spilled over with dolls, board games, puzzles and books on Dec. 4 — the festive fruits of a toy drive for underprivileged children organized by the 94th Precinct Community Council.
And whatta lotta loot there was!
Greenpoint tot Natalie Farez, 2, clutched a toy bear — her eyes glittering like black diamonds — as she fingered the silky bow tied around her new friend’s neck. McKenzie Lewis, 5, danced with joy as she proudly showed her new doll to her mom, Natasha Alexis.
The girls were among the gaggle of rapt youngsters showered with gifts during the party put together by organizers Laura Flugger, Patricia Riordan, Betty Hulsen, Tommy Kennison, and Cookie Nordt.
Holiday-themed entertainment by pianist Matt Massaia and magician Magix Max — plus eye candy provided by performance vamp Veronica Varlow and her stilt walking hubby, Burke Heffner — added to the revel, but, as always, the pot-bellied man from the North Pole was the one who stole the show.
Santa arrived to a chorus of screams and a sea of outstretched arms as excited youngsters scrambled to mingle with Kris Kringle and tell him their wish lists.
The merry mojo was jolly moving, according to one volunteer.
“It was really fun and really positive!” said Key Kebria, who inspired some good vibes of her own — the unemployed 22-year-old, a former Bay Ridge resident now living in Queens, has been keeping herself busy by volunteering.
Reach reporter Shavana Abruzzo at sabruzzo@cnglocal.com or by calling (718) 260-2529.