Toymaking at the North Pole may be in full swing but the big man in the red suit is once again making time in his busy schedule to take a turn around the ice with children of all ages during “Skate with Santa and Tree Lighting,” Saturday, December 10, during the regular afternoon public skating session at the Playland Ice Casino in Rye.

From 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., Santa will take to the ice on both the main and children’s rinks. Bring a camera and he’ll be happy to pose for holiday photos as well. “Skate with Santa” has become a popular Playland Ice Casino tradition.

After the skate, everyone is invited to gather at the Fountain Plaza outside the rink for a festive tree lighting at 5:30 p.m.

Regular admission prices are $9 for adults, $8 for adults with a Westchester County Park Pass; $5 for senior citizens with a county Senior Citizen ID; $6 for children age 12 and under and $5 for children accompanied by a Westchester County Park pass holder.

Hoping to make sure that every child can feel the joy of opening a special package this holiday season, Westchester County’s Department of Social Services (DSS) is once again organizing a gift drive for local youngsters living in a foster home or residential center.

“Westchester residents are always generous during the holiday season” said County Executive Rob Astorino. “I know this year’s toy drive will be as successful as those in the past.”

New and unwrapped gifts are being sought for more than 800 children, infants to age 21, who don’t have parents to present them with packages for the holidays. Collection boxes open to the public will be placed in county offices from Nov. 15 through Dec. 15. WFAS radio is helping publicize the drive and will also offer collection boxes.

Because more than half the youngsters are teenagers (who appreciate the ability to make their own choices), the donation of gift cards is also encouraged.

The Youth Council of the New Rochelle Youth Bureau, The City School District of New Rochelle and the Police Association of New Rochelle are sponsoring their Annual Give a Gift event on Sunday, December 18, 2011. This event provides Holiday cheer and gifts for New Rochelle families in need.

Anyone interested in sponsoring a gift for a child from the Wish List please contact Michelle Oliveros at (914) 654-2048, Monday through Friday, 8:30 A.M. – 4:30 P.M. on or before Wednesday, December 7th.

Please mark your calendar and join us for my annual Toys for Tots event on Saturday, December 10 from Noon to 3pm at On the Waterfront, 2 Pelham Road, New Rochelle, NY.

This is always a fun event that will surely get you in the holiday spirit. We are very lucky to have so many awesome friends that drop off toys and gift cards for kids in need each year. We are proud to work on this event with the Marine Corps League. The toys will be given to needy kids in the Westchester area. And this year we are adding to the fun with "Karaoke Christmas Carols," so stay for some refreshments and belt out your favorite Christmas song! Jean and I will be doing a duet.

Please bring unwrapped toys for kids of all ages. We note there is always a need for gifts for teenagers and gift cards and donations are very helpful. You can also drop off gifts before December 10 at The Cut Above, 2122 Boston Post Rd, Larchmont, NY or at my county legislative office in White Plains.

Please call 914-813-1402 if you have questions. See you on December 10!

Jim Maisano
County Legislator
914-636-1621
JimMaisano@gmail.com