VIDEO: Dinner, toys bring cheer to city families

Walter Johnson is a volunteer coordinator at the Lunch Box, which serves lunch and dinner to those in need in the City of Poughkeepsie.

So when he sat down with his family Saturday night at the Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel for a meal at the third annual Helping Hands Charity holiday event, he had a special perspective.

"It's a good lesson here to have something going on for the kids," Johnson said. "It brings love, peace and happiness."

So it was that dozens of city children and their family members gathered around tables covered with linens and china for a sit-down meal, music, games, a dance performance and — perhaps most importantly to the children — presents.

Asked what she wanted for Christmas, 5-year-old Naiyassa Green thought it over before answering.

"Snow," she said.

Her brother, 13-year-old Cameron Green, was hoping for something else.

"Naruto Revolution (video game)," he said.

The event, now in its third year, is organized by Patricia Tyndale, founder of Helping Hands Charity. Tyndale also receives help from longtime community organizer John Flowers, whom she calls her "inspiration."

She said this year's event brought 48 children and a total headcount of more than 70.

"I have more people who are calling, wanting to come," Tyndale said. "Even on my way here, I had a family that called that had eight kids."

The dinner is supported by numerous local businesses, including Toys 'R' Us, which ensured there were presents underneath a brightly decorated tree.

On a dance floor, children skipped and played as holiday music filled the room.

"I try my best," Tyndale said. "As long as I have life, I am going to try my best to do it again — and do it better every year."

John Ferro: 845-437-4816; jferro@poughkeepsiejournal.com; Twitter: @PoJoEnviro

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To view a video about the Helping Hands Charity event, go to www.poughkeepsiejournal.com