Enrique was one of almost 200 kids waiting for Nate -- who arrived not just in a limo but also wearing a Knicks Santa Claus hat -- at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Northern Westchester in Tarrytown. The waiting was difficult – “Is he bringing all the Knicks with him?” inquired Enrique -- but also fun due to the delicious pizza, cookies, and ice cream (not to mention all the face painting and cool balloon animals) keeping everyone occupied. “Nate got in touch with us weeks ago,” said Boys and Girls Clubs Executive Director Brian P. Skanes. “He actively participated in creating this party. He said he wanted to do something nice for the kids at Christmas-time -- and he wanted to do it in the area.”

“This is a Youth Development Center, kind of an after-school program where trained staff takes care of and teaches the kids,” added Skanes. ”The clubs are very important to the community. We must be doing something right: there are 400 Boys and Girls Clubs nationwide, with another opening somewhere in the country every business day during the year.”

After tricky magician Micky Magic got the kids going, Nate magically appeared at the door to a deafening roar. He good-naturedly submitted to a couple of tricks by Micky, even risking water being poured on his head through a Japanese newspaper. “You guys are making ME happy -- and a little nervous,” Robinson told the kids. “First of all, I just hope you’re enjoying yourselves. Secondly, we had a game a couple of days ago and there was a big fight. I want you to know that’s not who I am. I don’t want you to get the wrong impression or the wrong idea. I want to apologize to all you guys today. Fighting is not cool.”

Six-year old Willie then asked Nate what it felt like to win the All-Star Game Dunk Contest. “It was like going to Disneyland for the first time,” smiled Nate. “It was awesome.” “How did you get into basketball?” was the next question. “I worked hard,” said Nate. “I was the oldest of 8 kids at home. We all worked out together and worked hard.” “What is your coolest dunk?” “Off the glass and between the legs,” said Robby. “I really love doing that one.” “Who’s your best friend on the team?” “All the guys, really, we get along great. Still, I’ve known Jamal Crawford since we were kids. He’s like my older brother.”

“By the way, watch for the Knicks the rest of the season,’” added Nate. “I really think when we get all our players back, we’ll be dangerous.”

Robinson then took a Polaroid picture with, or signed an action picture for, EVERY child at the party at their choice. “This is SO cool, Mom,” seven year old Damon Gaynair kept on waving his picture around between kisses and hugs for 9-month-old little bro Drew. “Nate even asked what my name was and shook my hand and everything.”

“It’s great what Mr. Robinson is doing for these kids,” Mom tousled Damon’s curls with a smile while Drew gurgled away happily.

Nate concluded the evening by playing the winner of the “NBA Live ‘07” video-game basketball tournament for the Club Championship. In spite of having the “Knicks” -- and giving himself ample playing time -- he got crushed by eleven-year-old Gabriel 56-28. Nate gave him the basketball sneakers he used that day in practice in return.

“I had the greatest time,” Nate told the kids who all received Nate Robinson tee- shirts and life-size posters as well. “This was the best Christmas I’ve ever had,” seven year-old Freddie said at the door, clutching onto his goodies. “I love Nate because he has a lot of heart. And he gave us stuff. And he jumps over people.”