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It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas inside Marble Collegiate Church -- a tree, carols, a full dinner and piles and piles of presents all hand-delivered by Santa Claus.

Deborah Koenisberger and her elves at Hearts of Gold put on the annual event for women and children living at shelters across the city.

"I'm doing some face painting, just getting close to these kids. They’re such vibrant personalities and it's fun," said Hearts of Gold volunteer Claire Unabia.

The owner of a clothing boutique in Chelsea, Koenigsberger founded Hearts of Gold in 1995 after being inspired by the words of her favorite performer.

"I was actually inspired by a Stevie Wonder song, which talked about homelessness and how we could all take the time out to do something about it," Koenigsberger said.

Since then, Koenigsberger has made it her mission to give back to those in need, and not only during the holidays. She raises millions of dollars each year through private donations to clothe, house, educate and support the mothers and children who turn to them for help.

"The mission is, simply stated, is basically to help these moms whenever we can in whatever scenario and however we can, to get to a different, better place in their lives," Koenigsberger said. "Because when we meet them, typically they’re in a shelter, which has got to be their all-time low. Although I have to say it’s definitely a step up from the abuse a lot of them come from."

Koenigsberger’s work doesn’t end when the women leave the shelter. She holds monthly meetings with them, emails them daily, and never forgets a special occasion.

"Whether it's birthdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, she makes our holidays special. Cause we can't do anything because we have no one to celebrate it with, for the moms and the kids she makes it very, very special for us," said Hearts of Gold participant Gaitree Kisson.

"That sparkle in their eyes that light, that happiness you see when that sadness falls away, it’s amazing. It’s like once you get a taste of it, you can’t walk away. I can’t walk away," Koenisberger said.

And so, for not walking away from women and their children in need during the holidays or throughout the year, Deborah Koenisberger is the latest New Yorker of the Week.