UFT spreads holiday cheer for homeless kids

Miller Photography

UFT President Michael Mulgrew, Vice President Karen Alford and a group of children are tickled by the sight of Elmo.

Miller Photography

Queens teachers Diane Yodice (left) of PS 89 and Diane Chiauzzi of PS 153 see that the children are on task with their coloring.

A boy is smiling, with bendable glow wands stacked around his neck like a collar worn by sci-fi royalty.

A little girl is reaching up to put a big necklace of the glowing links around the neck of Brobee, the green-striped character from the “Yo Gabba Gabba” TV show, but can’t get it over his huge fuzzy head.

As the guy in the Brobee suit waves and prances, the youngest children take the little stuffed animals from their toy bags and hold them out to him as if for a blessing.

While the disc jockey in the UFT auditorium in Manhattan spins tunes ranging from Christmas songs to those by Rihanna, Justin Bieber and the Black Eyed Peas, the crowd starts dancing.

Welcome to the annual holiday party for children, hosted by the UFT and the Coalition for the Homeless, which features carnival games, face painting, lunch, cake and presents from Santa for kids of all ages from family shelters throughout the city.

“This is a very busy time of year for Santa, but he made a special effort to be with you today,” UFT President Michael Mulgrew said to the 175 children gathered at the Dec. 17 fest. As he requested, they sat very quietly, then jumped up to greet Mr. Claus, portrayed by Channel 11 weatherman Irv “Mr. G” Gikofsky.

Also making a special effort were the UFTers who volunteered to make the day great.

“It’s a joy, how very appreciative the children are,” said paraprofessional Sharon Anderson of PS 111 in the Bronx.

“It’s heartfelt and rewarding. The children are wonderful,” agreed Queens Chapter Leaders Diane Chiauzzi of PS 153 and Debbie Sherlock from PS 305.

Watching the kids dance was Mary Wade, the Brooklyn District 13 representative.

“This is who the UFT is. We’re always looking out for children, and this is just another way to show it,” Wade said.

In the corner, a knot of high school girls — amid the music, games and holiday cheer — are texting. But soon they get in on the action.

Teenage cool or not, kids start looking forward to the event a month ahead of time, according to Roosevelt Byers, who is on staff at a shelter in Harlem.

UFT Vice President Karen Alford said that “working with the Coalition for the Homeless to host this party is a pleasure. Watching the children’s excitement puts a smile on all the adults’ faces.”

The coalition’s executive director, Mary Brosnahan, said that since the union became a partner in the celebration two years ago, “There’s no more scrounging for space and the party keeps getting better. The kids leave walking on air.”