STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The holidays were a little brighter and more memorable for Mariners Harbor families, thanks to the Uncle Chase Foundation.
Laughter echoed across the schoolyard as families gathered for a night of winter magic at PS 44 Thomas C. Brown School on Dec. 20, where the Uncle Chase Foundation and Friends of Mariners Harbor hosted their Winter Wonderland 2025 celebration.
Now in its fourth year, the event transformed the campus into a festive village complete with a full outdoor ice-skating rink, a trackless train, holiday treats and thoughtfully selected toy giveaways.
Children skated under the lights, climbed aboard the train with friends and parents, and left with gifts that reflected weeks of planning and community care.
“Our Winter Wonderland Christmas Event was a heartwarming celebration of unity, generosity, and holiday spirit,” organizers said.
Families from across Mariners Harbor and Staten Island filled the grounds, creating what many described as an atmosphere defined by smiles, gratitude and a shared sense of belonging.
On Dec. 20, 2025, Mariners Harbor families gathered for a night of winter magic at P.S. 44 Thomas C. Brown School, where the Uncle Chase Foundation and Friends of Mariners Harbor hosted their Winter Wonderland 2025 celebration. (Courtesy Debra Gilliam)(Courtesy Debra Gilliam)
The event relied on an extensive network of support from sponsors, partners and volunteers. Organizers offered special thanks to Principal Nancy Storms and the staff of PS 44 for opening their doors and helping welcome hundreds of neighbors.
Support also came from the NYPD 121 Precinct Community Affairs Bureau, St. George Theatre, Amazon, ShopRite, Teddy Atlas Foundation, Council Member Kamilah Hanks, Democratic Leader Charles Falls, Northwell Staten Island University Hospital, Urban Hope, Best Face Forward, Toys for Tots, Bracketville Books, CMB Group, Citizens Bank, MetroPlus Health.
Support was also provided by The Choice Is Always Yours, R & J Travel Insurance, Harbor Brothers 4 Life, Surprise the Struggling, No Logo, Delta SI Alumnae, and Platinum Partners Secures Technologies and J & J Recycling.
Thirty Port Richmond High School P-TECH student volunteers helped manage the skating portion, registration, toy distribution, train rides, hospitality stations and overall event flow, bringing energy and professionalism that organizers said were essential to the evening’s success.
On Dec. 20, 2025, Mariners Harbor families gathered for a night of winter magic at P.S. 44 Thomas C. Brown School, where the Uncle Chase Foundation and Friends of Mariners Harbor hosted their Winter Wonderland 2025 celebration.(Courtesy Debra Gilliam)
Dozens of additional volunteers worked behind the scenes, handling setup, safety, greeting families, serving cocoa, photographing moments and staying late for cleanup. Together, they created an environment where families felt welcomed and celebrated.
Emmanuel Bloomfield from Friends of Mariners Harbor said: “This event wasn’t just about toys, it was a reminder of what we can achieve when we come together for a common cause.”
Principal Nancy Storms said: “For the fourth year in a row, the Uncle Chase Foundation and FOMH brought its incredible Winter Wonderland to our school and once again, it was nothing short of a blessing.”
Charles “Uncle Chase” Gardner said: “Winter Wonderland brought out the best of Staten Island — love, unity, and joy. We’re proud to give our families a moment they’ll remember.”
Uncle Chase Gardner, left, is pictured with a family on Dec. 20, 2025 at the Uncle Chase Foundation and Friends of Mariners Harbor Winter Wonderland 2025 celebration. (Courtesy Debra Gilliam)
On Dec. 20, 2025, Mariners Harbor families gathered for a night of winter magic at P.S. 44 Thomas C. Brown School, where the Uncle Chase Foundation and Friends of Mariners Harbor hosted their Winter Wonderland 2025 celebration.(Courtesy Debra Gilliam)
On Dec. 20, 2025, Mariners Harbor families gathered for a night of winter magic at P.S. 44 Thomas C. Brown School, where the Uncle Chase Foundation and Friends of Mariners Harbor hosted their Winter Wonderland 2025 celebration. (Courtesy Debra Gilliam)
On Dec. 20, 2025, Mariners Harbor families gathered for a night of winter magic at P.S. 44 Thomas C. Brown School, where the Uncle Chase Foundation and Friends of Mariners Harbor hosted their Winter Wonderland 2025 celebration. (Courtesy Debra Gilliam)
On Dec. 20, 2025, Mariners Harbor families gathered for a night of winter magic at P.S. 44 Thomas C. Brown School, where the Uncle Chase Foundation and Friends of Mariners Harbor hosted their Winter Wonderland 2025 celebration.(Courtesy Debra Gilliam)
On Dec. 20, 2025, Mariners Harbor families gathered for a night of winter magic at P.S. 44 Thomas C. Brown School, where the Uncle Chase Foundation and Friends of Mariners Harbor hosted their Winter Wonderland 2025 celebration. (Courtesy Debra Gilliam)