EASTON, Pa. — Easton witnessed an incredible outpouring of holiday cheer Monday for the 10th annual community dinner and toy drive at 3rd & Ferry Fish Market.
As seniors, single parents with children, families and just about everyone else flocked in from the damp cold that evening, 3rd & Ferry Fish Market owner and chef Mike Pichetto and his staff were near-constantly on the receiving end of handshakes, fist-bumps and enthusiastic shouts of “Merry Christmas!”
The atmosphere seemed straight out of a Christmas film, with Pichetto and the 3rd & Ferry volunteers beaming with delight as they witnessed the smiles of everyone from the youngest children to seniors celebrating the season.
"This brings all the feelings of the season right back."3rd & Ferry Fish Market owner and chef Mike Pichetto
Pichetto and his crew took time to engage with just about every guest, welcoming them into the restaurant, encouraging them to grab a plate, fill up at the buffet and enjoy a hot meal.
Children jittered with joy at the thought of visiting Santa Claus, who sat downstairs with a wealth of gifts — enough to let each young visitor pick two or three presents each, in fact.
According to staff at 3rd & Ferry, this year’s dinner and toy drive might very well have been the best yet.
During a rare moment when she wasn’t swapping out trays or welcoming guests, General Manager Danya Kinsman explained how the event started as a way to provide hearty, hot meals for those from Safe Harbor, Third Street Alliance, the Children’s Home of Easton and Boys and Girls Club members.
'Now I'm in the mood again'
This year was extra special, Kinsman said, with businesses and individuals coming out in philanthropic droves to provide a bounty of gifts for kids in Easton.
“And this year we did a toy drive, and we had so much response from the community, which was unbelievable,” Kinsman said. “The community is what keeps us afloat.
“Aman’s [Artisan Indian Cuisine] helped, so did Pollwogs & Petunias, Book & Puppet Company… We had donations monetarily, and the toys, which is incredible.
"2nd Base [Vintage], we had seven large contractor bags of toys picked up from them yesterday for their toy drive.”
Pichetto also expressed gratitude for the support of North Star Construction, Porter’s Pub, Monster Deli, Sweet Girlz Bakery, and Ameriprise Financial, which provided funding, food and even more gifts for kids.
Pichetto said witnessing families enjoying a good dinner and the kids' delight in meeting Santa and getting to choose their own gifts could spark the Christmas spirit in even the most jaded Scrooge.
“Christmas happens every year, right?" Pichetto said. "And as the years go on, it kind of feels less and less like Christmas, or whatever holiday you celebrate.
"This brings all the feelings of the season right back. It's just like, ‘Yes! Now I'm in the mood again!’ And that’s what it’s all about.”
'It melts my heart'
With the weather a little dreary, Pichetto estimated they would see about 100 people stopping by that evening, around half the usual crowd.
But there already were plans to ensure the food and gifts would get to those in need at places such as Third Street Alliance or the Children’s Home of Easton.
As Carlos Navarro sat down for a meal with Yahaira Negron and their children Leilani, 11, and Noah, 3, he said the event was “phenomenal… And it’s a load off during the holiday season.”
“Every year we come to enjoy the dinner, see Santa Claus with the kids," Navarro said. "And we heard this year they were doing some gifts, too, so it’s definitely nice during the holiday season."
Downstairs, the walls were lined with hundreds of toys — all open, so children could select what they wanted themselves — with Santa sitting right by the tree to welcome the little ones.
Spider-Man coloring books, Bluey activity kits, Hot Wheels racetracks and more covered chairs and spilled over onto the floor, taking up an abundance of space even after dozens of children already had explored the stacks.
“It melts my heart; melts my heart as it does Danya and Mike," Arthur “Santa Buddy” Schall said as kids picked through the piles of toys.
'It's just like Christmas morning'
Schall said it was his third year with 3rd & Ferry, and the young ones were thrilled to be able to get extra gifts.
"They do this every year, and they love it," he said.
Mother Mathiasia Durrant and her 2-year-old son De’Anthony said they were thrilled to see the setup down below, which they learned of from a friend.
“I think it’s a good idea, because everybody can’t fulfill what the kids want."Mother Mathiasia Durrant
“I think it’s a good idea, because everybody can’t fulfill what the kids want," Durrant said as she helped De’Anthony pick out his toys following his visit with Santa.
"So it’s actually a good idea for the kids.”
With the community coming together to brighten the lives of those in need, Pichetto and his crew continue to provide for those in need across Easton and beyond.
They wish for nothing in return besides the opportunity to provide a pleasant evening, and if Schall has anything to say about it, they hit the mark.
“It’s just like Christmas morning,” he said with a smile.
