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(CBS) MANHATTAN The Cozza children are finally able to enjoy holiday parties thrown by New York City firefighters.
Four years ago, their father, Angelo, died of cancer, but on Sunday they joined 1,000 other children and 300 families in the 51st annual Uniformed Firefighters Association party at Toys R Us in Times Square.
"It's a way to remember my dad since he passed away and it's nice that they're doing this for everyone," 12-year-old Michaelle Cozza said.
There was something for everyone, from building a bear with the littler ones to posing for pictures with Mets outfielder Carlos Beltran.
"I do it because it actually means a lot to them," Beltran said. "And it means a lot to me. Whenever I get a chance to spend time with kids, I do it."
What makes this firefighters holiday party special is not just the shared sense of loss but the way that everyone feels like family.
"The fire department really is a second family," widow Joanne Cozza said. "They never forget you. They really don't."
The widows from the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks concur.
"Just the stories you share and then in the course of time gone by you've made more memories," 9/11 firefighter widow Julie McMahon said. "You don't have to say anything. You just understand each other."
And for many of the children, the highlight of the day was receiving free toys, courtesy of the 65 toy vendors that contributed.
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