Dumbo BID helps fulfill Christmas wishes for families while boosting small businesses

Kids can drop off their letter to Santa and get 100 Dumbo dollars to spend in the neighborhood. That in turn helps struggling businesses.

News 12 Staff

Dec 18, 2021, 3:33 AM

Updated 1,032 days ago

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It's the season of giving and the Dumbo Business Improvement District is doing just that by helping to fulfill Christmas wishes of families while also giving money to boost small businesses.
Santa's mailbox made it all the way to Dumbo just in time for the holidays.
"It's an adorable little box and really you know the main goal is for kids to have a spot where they can have a direct line to the North Pole," says Alexandria Sica, president of the Dumbo Improvement District.
The bright red box is part of an effort by the Dumbo BID to spread some holiday cheer for families. Kids can drop off their letter to Santa and get 100 Dumbo dollars to spend in the neighborhood. That in turn helps struggling businesses.
"We all are still in recovery mode," says Sica. "The age of uncertainty is upon us, and this is a tangible thing that we could do to help both the businesses and families who maybe need a little extra cushion this time of year."
Lindsay Stuart owns the Glam Expressway Boutique. Stuart says the business has faced pandemic-related setbacks.
"There was a lot of fear and anxiety and tears," says Stuart. "I definitely had a hard time, but I have been clawing my way like everyone else."
Stuart is hoping the initiative will help her business get past the challenges.
"It's money that you didn't have before," says Stuart. "It helps so much. It means so much to my business and all the businesses in the neighborhood."
Santa's mailbox will stay up until Christmas Day. The Dumbo BID hopes to make it a special Christmas for everyone.