For more than a decade, John O’Keefe has been the man behind the beard, donning the iconic Santa suit and delivering joy to residents at Institute for Community Living (ICL) events across New York City. This year was no exception, as he brought holiday cheer to families at 50 Nevins Street Apartments, an ICL-supportive and affordable housing complex in Downtown Brooklyn, on Dec. 7.
O’Keefe, who stepped into the role after attending an ICL Christmas party with a less-than-jolly Santa, said his journey as the beloved holiday figure began unexpectedly.
“It’s like they hired someone who didn’t like kids to be Santa Claus,” O’Keefe told Brooklyn Paper. “So I made the mistake of saying I could do a better job than that. And [my wife] was like, ‘You’re hired.’ That’s how it began.”
His wife, Sharon Sorrentino, ICL’s acting senior vice president for child, family, and young adult services, praised her husband’s commitment to the community.
“The nicest thing is seeing the kids,” she said. “When they see Santa, when he comes out, it’s very nice to see their faces.”
Residents eagerly awaited Santa’s arrival during Friday’s event, which kicked off with food and music from DJ Gus. Children and adults alike gathered in the community room, where O’Keefe made his grand entrance to cheers and hugs.
Each child received a holiday gift and posed for photos with Santa before he returned to the “North Pole” to prepare for Christmas Eve.
The event, organized by ICL staff, was about more than just presents — it was about fostering community.
“The event is about giving back and making sure that our families and the children have a place to celebrate for the year and that the children have gifts,” said Shakima Hill, ICL’s Emerson and Nevins Apartment programs program director.
Delia Grantham, a case manager at 50 Nevins, said Santa’s visit is a highlight for the community.
“It’s just a chance for them to get together and celebrate the holiday season with one another and with staff,” Grantham said. “And it really helps us build relationships with our clients.”
Senior family advocate Terri Johnson emphasized that the celebration allowed families to feel a sense of belonging.
“They’re being a part of something they can call their own, and that’s a special part about the [Christmas event],” Johnson said. “It gives me joy to see them smile because it’s all about the families.”
Jennifer Miles, a resident of ICL’s Emerson Davis Family Residence in Clinton Hill, cherished the moment with her one-year-old son, Luca.
“All the energy, the kids are happy,” she said. “The kids seeing Santa Claus brings a lot of Christmas spirit and love.”
For O’Keefe, the most challenging part of being Santa is managing some of the kids’ out-there gift requests.
“Some of them ask for really extravagant gifts,” he said. “And I’m like, ‘How do you even know about it?’ But in this day and age, they know everything.”
