United Volunteers for the Community marks ninth Three Kings Day anniversary

Staff

United Volunteers for the Community marks ninth Three Kings Day anniversary
Councilmember Alexa Avilés joins the Three Kings and United Volunteers for the Community during a Three Kings Day and rosca de reyes celebration in early January. Courtesy of United Volunteers for the Community

United Volunteers for the Community celebrated the ninth anniversary of its traditional Three Kings Day celebration, a family tradition the organization has kept alive in the Sunset Park community since January 2017.

The annual event has become a community tradition with support from sponsors, partner organizations and volunteers who donate toys, rosca de reyes and space for the celebration, generously provided by Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church.

This year’s celebration took place Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, benefiting about 400 children, who received toys in an atmosphere of joy, togetherness and family spirit. Community members distributed the toys alongside the Three Kings, portrayed by Edgar Alvarez, Tony Sanchez and Alexander Gattas, adding a special and symbolic touch that brought the tradition to life.

The event included the presence of New York City Councilmember Alexa Avilés of District 38, as well as a blessing from Father Joseph Dionne of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. Also in attendance were Deputy Inspector Mobeen Yasin, commanding officer of the NYPD’s 72nd Precinct, and representatives of the United Senior Center of Sunset Park and the Brooklyn Sunset Park Lions Club.

The program included an artistic and cultural showcase featuring Jahzara Fontanez and dance groups Sangre Mexicana and Folclore Guadalupano, bringing color, tradition and cultural pride to the celebration.

During the event, Gloria Espinal, founder and president of United Volunteers for the Community, thanked members of the organization, volunteers, sponsors, partner organizations and everyone who donated toys. She said that without this collective support, it would be almost impossible to hold a celebration of this size. She also said she was glad to see children’s smiles and families’ enthusiasm during the event.

With the celebration, United Volunteers for the Community reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening community ties, preserving cultural traditions and continuing to serve Sunset Park families with love, solidarity and hope.