UFT toy drive and holiday party 2025
The UFT, in partnership with the Coalition for the Homeless, hosted its annual holiday toy drive and celebration on Dec. 13 for students living in temporary housing in New York City. The students enjoyed a variety of crafts and games, as well as face-painting, henna hand art, a magic show and a visit from Santa. And thanks to the generosity of UFT members, the union was able to distribute more than 1,500 toys to public school students throughout the city.
Students joyfully gather around Sonic the Hedgehog at the event.
Students are treated to a day filled with fun, including some hoop-shooting.
Wonder Woman and Captain America enthrall the students gathered with a magic show.
UFT members’ generous donations fill bins of toys, ensuring students receive welcome gifts at the annual affair.
Gift bags filled with stocking stuffers greet students as they arrive.
UFT volunteers, including teacher Laura Cassidy of PS 38 in Brooklyn, gleefully guide students in arts and crafts.
Wonder Woman treats a student to face painting.
An attendee shows off the henna hand-painting she received.
UFT volunteers help students make cardboard gingerbread houses.
Queens Technical HS librarian Suzanne Lewis smiles near tables where cosmetology students from her school do manicures for the attendees.
Paraprofessional Lesley Adler of Leon M . Goldstein HS in Brooklyn brings joy to students with a classic board game.
UFT Vice President Karen Alford (front row, center), whose Elementary Schools division organizes the UFT toy drive each year, is surrounded by all of her “elves” – the UFT members and others who volunteered their time for a good cause.
Santa Claus is ready to hear all the wishes of the children present.
Students joyfully gather around Sonic the Hedgehog at the event.
Students are treated to a day filled with fun, including some hoop-shooting.
Wonder Woman and Captain America enthrall the students gathered with a magic show.
UFT members’ generous donations fill bins of toys, ensuring students receive welcome gifts at the annual affair.
Gift bags filled with stocking stuffers greet students as they arrive.
UFT volunteers, including teacher Laura Cassidy of PS 38 in Brooklyn, gleefully guide students in arts and crafts.
Wonder Woman treats a student to face painting.
An attendee shows off the henna hand-painting she received.
UFT volunteers help students make cardboard gingerbread houses.
Queens Technical HS librarian Suzanne Lewis smiles near tables where cosmetology students from her school do manicures for the attendees.
Paraprofessional Lesley Adler of Leon M . Goldstein HS in Brooklyn brings joy to students with a classic board game.
UFT Vice President Karen Alford (front row, center), whose Elementary Schools division organizes the UFT toy drive each year, is surrounded by all of her “elves” – the UFT members and others who volunteered their time for a good cause.
Santa Claus is ready to hear all the wishes of the children present.