FORT GEORGE — Santa came uptown early this year.
More than 150 children from the Fort George Community Enrichment Center's Head Start program were treated to a selection of Transformers and Barbie dolls Monday as part of a local toy drive.
The event, sponsored by Governor Andrew Cuomo's office, marked one of several across the state and was organized by state Sen. Adriano Espaillat, Assemblyman Guillermo Linares and Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon.
Carolyn L. Wiggins, executive director of the Head Start program, said the "marvelous day" was a highlight of the school year.
“This event gives them a head start in life because once you can master the social and emotional aspect of life, you can master almost anything," she said.
The federally funded Head Start program at the Fort George center launched in 1981 and currently serves 186 children, said Deputy Director Anita Grossbard
The kids, meanwhile, were eager to open their new gifts and play, with many offering a "wow" upon walking into the room full of toys.
"This is the first year they've done this," Grossbard said, "and we're very excited."
