The new year began on a cheerful note for students and community members at the Alianza Dominicana Cultural Center on January 6. More than 200 participants poured into the lively Washington Heights space to celebrate Three Kings Day, the holiday that commemorates the three wise men who brought gifts to the baby Jesus.
“Our motto is to provide holistic, comprehensive service to families, and today we saw it at its best,” said Eddie Silverio, the Division Director of Alianza’s Youth Services for Catholic Charities Community Services. Students from the Bronx, Washington Heights, and Inwood were welcomed with gifts, time to socialize and play, and engaging lessons about the history and meaning of the Three Kings in the story of Jesus. It is a tradition that holds special significance in Dominican and Hispanic communities.
Assemblymember Manny De Los Santos and Community Partners Make the Celebration Possible
Hundreds of gifts — from toy trucks and dolls to hockey sticks — were provided by three “kings”: New York State Assemblymember Manny De Los Santos, the New York City District Council of Carpenters (Carpenter’s Union), and the New York Police Department.
“We serve people with dignity and respect. That’s all any human being wants,” Silverio said. “The kids were saying ‘thank you,’ and some of them went up to [Assemblymember] Manny and the police officers and were thanking them personally.”
“Today is really about giving back, it’s about hope, generosity, family, and coming together,” said Assemblymember De Los Santos, speaking to the children and families while dressed as one of the Three Kings during the event.
“It’s about identifying resources for those who unfortunately don’t have them, so it’s on us to come together and do what we can to uplift this community,” he said.
Nearing its fourteenth anniversary on June 1, 2026 as a division of Catholic Charities, the Alianza Dominicana Cultural Center has been a trusted anchor in Washington Heights, offering a wide range of services and programs to thousands of people each year.
“The way we see it is, we work with your first grader — but if you have a high school student, or you have a child, we work with the whole family,” Silverio said. “If a mother says, ‘I can’t pay the rent,’ — then we try to get them to a pantry [to help lower their food costs],” Silverio explained. “Alianza understands that we’d rather have a client in an apartment than in the streets. We also provide financial literary and family support. We have a comprehensive approach of serving our community.”
Looking Ahead with Hope and Gratitude
As he looked ahead to the new year, Silverio expressed hopes that Alianza will continue to host events like this — making sure children and families in Washington Heights feel supported, celebrated, and cared for.
He also voiced gratitude for donors whose generosity helps sustain programs and keeps the cultural center thriving.
“It’s the difference donors make — a smile. Every time I see a picture from Alianza or Catholic Charities, it just shows me we’re getting it right. Those pictures really capture the moment,” Silverio said.
“Your donation keeps giving. Our young people, our families are grateful, and they give back. So, your $1 multiples!” he added.
Celebrations like Three Kings Day show how culture, community partners, and donor generosity can work together to lift up families. As Alianza looks ahead, its mission remains the same: to ensure every child and family feels seen, supported, and cared for.
For more information about Alianza, please visit: https://cccsny.org/services/alianza-dominicana-cultural-center
