By Kathianne Boniello
Child after child spent a moment with St. Nick last week, each getting an individual present and smile from the man himself as PS 811 staff and United Airlines personnel looked on.
For the members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Local Lodge 1322, and the Metro New York area chapter of the Retired United Airlines Employees Association who gather every year to direct Santa's sleigh to PS 811, the event is a symbol of holiday spirit.
“It's Christmas,” said organizer Lou Ricci of IAM 1322. “This is what Christmas is all about.”
The United Airlines employees and retirees adopted PS 811 in the mid-80s, collecting donations and buying gifts for each child in the school, Ricci said.
“We feel it's really a worthwhile thing to do,” he said. “A lot of people who retire come back and continue to participate.”
Joe Tortaro, head of the retirees club, said “it's an emotional thing for most of us to be able to do something to help the children.”
The school at 61-25 Marathon Pkwy. in Little Neck serves children who are handicapped or have developmental disabilities. Employees and retirees from United Airlines help ensure that each child gets a gift. Extra funds are used to buy a larger item for the entire school, such as a VCR or stereo.
In 1999 United Airlines employee Stan Welch purchased a lot of the Pikachus that Santa delivered to the PS 811 kids.
“It's always very rewarding to bring the spirit of Christmas and unity,” he said as he watched children line up to visit with Santa Claus. “I think that's what the whole thing is all about.”
Barbara Tetenbaum, a music teacher at PS 811 who helps coordinate the United Airlines visit, said that despite their disabilities, the students enjoy the event.
“A lot of them are nonverbal,” she said, “but you can tell that they love it.”
Rosannie Lopez, president of the school's Parent Association, said parents are thankful for the generosity of the United Airlines employees.
“I really appreciate what they're doing because not everybody has that feeling for kids,” she said. “They make every kid happy for a special occasion.”
Douglas Walsh, who coordinated the event until Ricci took it over three years ago, said Santa's visit to the school expands every year.
“It's just gets bigger and better,” Walsh said.
The employees get satisfaction from bringing Santa to the kids, he said, “and the satisfaction is everything.”
