The Brooklyn-based West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA) is continuing its longstanding tradition this holiday season with its annual Winter Wonderland Toy Drive & Holiday Celebration on Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Major R. Owens Health & Wellness Community Center, 1561 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn.
Rhea Smith, a Trinidadian-born WIADCA board member, told Caribbean Life on Tuesday, Dec. 9, that the celebration, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., will “support up to 500 children across the Brooklyn community.”
She said toy collection efforts began during WIADCA’s World AIDS Day Heart-to-Heart Program and will continue through the Winter Wonderland event.
“All donated toys will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis to children, newborn through age 10, ensuring families receive meaningful holiday support,” said Smith, adding that WIADCA is supported in the initiative by MetroPlus Health, EmblemHealth, Healthfirst, Digital Girl, Inc., and Explore Schools Network.
“WIADCA encourages community members, local businesses and partner organizations to continue donating new, unwrapped toys, as the organization closes out the year with gratitude, cultural celebration, and community service,” Smith continued.
She said families attending Saturday’s event can enjoy “a full afternoon of interactive holiday activities, entertainment and giveaways.”
Smith said featured activities include: Santa’s Corner; arts & crafts stations; face painting; DJ and live entertainment; special performances by local dance and music groups; vendor and community partner tables; and light snacks and beverages.
“This annual initiative continues WIADCA’s mission of supporting families, engaging youth, and fostering cultural pride,” Smith said.
“Through toy donations, family-centered programming, and community partnerships, WIADCA aims to make the holiday season brighter for hundreds of local children,” she added.
For 59 years, Smith said WIADCA has “preserved and celebrated Caribbean culture through signature events — including the New York Caribbean Carnival — and year-round programs in cultural education, the arts, youth engagement, senior initiatives, and community outreach.
“As a vital cultural and social anchor for Caribbean and Brooklyn communities, WIADCA is dedicated to empowering residents, supporting cultural practitioners, strengthening community wellness, and advancing Caribbean heritage,” she added.
Through initiatives such as WIADCA Cares, the Youth & Silver Circle Academies, New York Carnival Week and YouthFest, Smith said WIADCA provides “creative, educational and strategic engagement opportunities that foster intergenerational unity, cultural preservation, and community resilience for future generations.”
