TENAFLY - Twenty six underprivileged children in the Northern Valley were treated to a Christmas party they will never forget on Dec. 12. Giants of Generosity, a non-profit organization based in Cresskill, provided presents, food, and dancing during the organization's first annual "Gifts for Children."

"I believe we can be the answer to other people's prayers," said D. Jane Albanese, founder of Giants of Generosity. "Everyone can use a light in their lives."

The event, located in a festively decorated room at the Clinton Inn in Tenafly, brought children from three different agencies in local towns that help foster the growth of underprivileged children in the community.

The children receiving the gifts came from a variety of different backgrounds, including those who were homeless, in shelters or in foster care.

The three organizations included in the program were the Mentoring Youth Program at the Volunteer Center of Bergen County, Community Baptist Church of Englewood and Women's Rights Information Center in Englewood. Each child from these organizations received a "Santa bag" filled with six to eight items from the children's wish lists.

The Mentoring Youth Program, which has been running since 1977, serves children from the ages 5 to 18 that have been abused, neglected or socially isolated.

"It's such a special occasion for the children because they don't have opportunities to really get gifts at this level," said Dr. Faith Samples-Smart, director of the Mentoring Youth Program. "Their parents can't afford it. For them to have the opportunity to be in an event like this - to be special and be the honoree of the night - is fabulous."

Gerry Fallon, a member of the board of directors of Giants of Generosity, kicked off the event by thanking the contributors that provided donations to the "Santa" bags.

"Without you being here, this evening would not be possible," said Fallon to the audience. "We wouldn't have the opportunity to essentially change children's lives and give them a Christmas like they never had and one to remember for a lifetime."

Giants of Generosity is the brain child of Albanese, who started the foundation approximately five years ago. The organization aims to help needy residents in the community by providing them with financial and moral support. The organization has helped up to 35 families to date, which included giving a house makeover to a man who was electrocuted last spring.

In addition to the Gifts for Children event, the foundation is also currently partnering with Tails of Hope Foundation, a local organization that aims to help both children and dogs with cancer, during the holiday season. Giants of Generosity will be accepting donations to help a local 6-year-old girl named Elizabeth who has a brain tumor and is in dire need of financial help.

"One hundred percent of the donations will go toward helping Elizabeth's family and will help us fulfill our mission," said Albanese.

The organization's first recipient, Angel Deida, came to the inn that Monday night to join the celebration. Approximiately four years ago, Deida had been paralyzed from the neck down after he helped a woman who was being mugged. The attacker smashed Deida's head into a car, breaking his neck.

"I closed my eyes and said "whatever is God's will,'" said Deida, speaking of when he discovered he was paralyzed. "I don't regret what I did. If I had to do it again, I would do it again."

Years later, therapy and help from the Giants of Generosity have allowed him to walk again. Deida was happy to see the efforts of Albanese and the Giants of Generosity continue through the children's holiday program.

"It's very beautiful, especially during this time of year," said Deida. "I see the smiles on the kid's faces and that made me feel good. Jane has a heart of gold."

BeyondDANCE, a dance education program based in bergenPAC, volunteered to perform several routines for the children during the event, ranging from a scene from the play "Aida" to a choreographed version of Lady Gaga's "Born This Way."

"I thought they were great," said Albanese. "It was a wonderful thing that they did for these children."

The children were thrilled to take part in festivities, singing the words to their favorite songs on the dance floor, laughing as they tried to win a game of limbo and dancing back and forth through the room as part of a Congo line. Their faces lit up as they opened their Santa bags to find toys, clothes and games.

"I think we've had an extraordinary event," said Albanese. "There was a wonderful turnout from all the local communities. The kids seem to be happy. God bless them and I hope they have a wonderful new year."

Email: noda@northjersey.com or call 201-894-6703