MELROSE, Bronx (WABC) — A winter wonderland has popped up in an unexpected place – a subway station in the Bronx.<\/p>\n
A couple of MTA workers at the 161st Street subway station used their own money to create a dazzling display and buy gifts for children who come through the station.<\/p>\n
The customer service center is now decked out for the holidays and it’s a bright spot for those who pass through.<\/p>\n
“I grew up loving the holidays and I just think the holidays are to bring a smile to someone’s face, that’s all we wanted to do,” said MTA employee Esmeralda Pacheco.<\/p>\n
A team of MTA workers, led by Pacheco, poured their hearts and souls into decorating the booth — paying attention to every detail.<\/p>\n
There are even stockings for colleagues including agents, CTAs and supervisors.<\/p>\n
And there’s also a direct line to the North Pole and she is a hit this season.<\/p>\n
“Everyone wants to take pictures, so it’s a good thing,” said MTA employee Aasim Robertson.<\/p>\n
This is all part of a systemwide contest in all five boroughs where employees, using their own money, curated the cozy spaces.<\/p>\n
The top prize went to the booth right next to Yankee Stadium and Pacheco says she wishes they could keep it up all year.<\/p>\n
But it’s not just the booth, the team at the station took things a step further and bought gifts for kids. They are handing out the presents to little ones who are reluctant but pleasantly surprised.<\/p>\n
It’s a win-win for all this holiday season.<\/p>\n
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