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Family Ties, which helps families with children who have emotional, social and behavioral problems, hosted a belated holiday party on Tuesday at the Doubletree Hotel in Tarrytown.
At the party, kids danced with their parents and had dinner topped off with cake. The party was originally scheduled for Dec. 20 but delayed because of snow.
"We help families navigate the system," Sylvia Escala said. "We are a part of the Ossining community. We help families heal. It's a joy to have an event like this. It creates great memories."
Family Ties was assisted in hosting the event by the Ossining by the Doubletree Hotel, which provided the room and the Elmsford and Ossining Rotary.
"The whole community is helping to put a smile on these kids faces," Escala said. "It truly does take a village. Family Ties is a safe place. It's where families can feel supported and understood.
Since the original holiday party was cancelled, Family Ties had Santa go to each families house and bring them presents.
"It was awesome," Lestaht, a 4-year-old, said.
Scarlett, Lestaht's older sister, said she was surprised and excited to see Santa. She said Santa brought her bracelets.
Carol Hardesty, the executive director of Family Ties Ossining said the event is a special day for these families.
"Everyone is so happy to be here," Hardesty said. "This is a wonderful thing. We work so hard for these kids, it means a lot that we can celebrate together. These families are faced with difficult circumstances. They look forward to it."
Ossining Mayor Bill Hanauer said that Family Ties was a fabric of the Ossining community.
"They help serve a community of people and help hem get through the day," Hanauer said. "It's a very valuable resource for the whole community. It's so important that we support organizations like this."
For more information on Family Ties Westchester, contact 914-941-3461 or e-mail Ossining@familytieswestchester.org.
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