Kids’ letters to Santa answered — and then some

Miller Photography

UFT Brooklyn Borough Representative Howard Schoor (third from right), district representatives and office staff arrive bearing gifts at New Horizons Shelter.

Miller Photography

A monetary cap for buying gifts was established “but everyone ignored it,” said Brooklyn UFT Special Representative Tony “Santa” Sclafani.

One of the children wanted a coat for Christmas. Others wanted bedsheets. Fifty dollars. A long-sleeved shirt “because it’s getting really cold.” A few bags of Chex-Mix snacks. Socks. A gift certificate to McDonald’s.

When the “Dear Santa” letters with their wish lists arrived from a Brownsville family shelter, there was hardly a dry eye at the Brooklyn UFT office.

“Please can I have a bit of candy and see Santa!” — Marcus

Among the pleas were some requests for toys, dolls and games. But most of the coveted items were practical, and “many children asked for things for their brothers and sisters,” said UFT Brooklyn Borough Representative Howard Schoor.

“And I want a outfit of any kind, size 24 month.” — Joel

Wanting to pitch in for a community service project as their holiday effort this year, Brooklyn UFT staffers decided to send gifts, delivered by Santa, to children at a shelter.

Special Representative Tony Sclafani — Santa — made arrangements with New Horizons, and 70 letters poured in.

“I would like to have a comforter for my bed and also a winter vest.” — Zechariah

“I don’t have nothing to play with that’s why I want the Just Dance 3.” — Mahika

There were adorable letters: “I want a princess play kitchen … I wanna cook like my mammy.” — Meagan

The funny ones: “I want the good candy, not the nasty kind that nobody like.” — Donella

There was a sweet forgiving one: “I want a toy helicopter and a (blue) watch if you can bring them. If not, I still love you, Santa,” from Adrian, a wise child who evidently knows you have to cut people slack sometimes.

There were letters that would be dear to any teacher’s heart: requests for books, art supplies, a diary and Leapfrog Tag Reading systems.

“I have been good in school. I love to read and write short stories. I would like Santa to bring me an educational toy.” — Shaniya

“Those of us on the planning committee were concerned there might not be enough people who wanted to participate and we’d have letters left over that no one had taken,” said Special Representative Ilene Weinerman.

But the opposite happened. “Some people took three or four letters,” Weinerman said. Others contributed money.

A monetary cap for gifts had been established “but everyone ignored it,” said Sclafani. “They bought the requested gift and then some.”

Schoor said it was an incredible experience, both the response from UFTers and the Dec. 20 party at the shelter, where children and their families waited. He vowed that the Brooklyn office will make a tradition of the event and promised that next year’s will be “bigger and better.”

“I can’t wait to see you, Santa.” — Yomeidy