WMBCTV: City Hall Transformed into 'Winter Wonderland'

Paterson was lit up with Christmas cheer this week, as officials welcomed families for a holiday toy drive. 

While the line wrapped around city hall, residents and their families geared up their holiday spirit.

“We have transformed city hall into a winter wonderland,” said Mayor Andre Sayegh.

That winter wonderland, giving residents and their families the opportunity to hand pick some brand-new Christmas toys.

“It’s phenomenal,” said Council President Alex Mendez. “We have over 12,000 toys for the children of the great city of Paterson.”

Sayegh added, “we’re doing two per child so I think that’s sufficient for a lot of these families that might not have any toys at all.”

While those hosting this toy distribution say that this is a great way to give back to the community during the holiday season, the residents receiving those gifts say they’re feeling thankful. 

“When these events occur, it brings us all together and I love meeting new people,” said Paterson Resident Cindy Figueroa.

Some residents also say this is a great event, not only for the community, but also for their own families.

“It gets your family all together all at once for the holidays, that’s what it means to me,” said Paterson Resident Chritnaa Clolon.