Inside a cozy room at Saint James Church on Madison Avenue, a group of children make gingerbread houses and lay the foundation for a special bond.

Many have never met before this holiday gathering, but still share a connection.

They are children who have an incarcerated parent. Xiomara Torres is here with her son Jesiah.

“It is really good because it makes my son feel like, you know, there’s other people going through the same thing he’s going through, so he’s not alone,” Torres said. “We basically created a little family here.”

The annual event is organized by the Osbourne Association, which provides support for more than 12,000 individuals and families affected by the criminal justice system in New York each year.

“I’m hoping that they walk with a sense of hope and a sense of joy and they feel connected and they feel supported,” said Diana Archer, the program’s coordinator.

Judges pick the best candy-covered houses, but every child here is a winner. They get one-on-one time with Santa Claus and 3 gifts of their choice.

The presents are all donated by parishioners of St. James Church. For some of the children, these are only presents they’ll get this holiday season.

 “It’s such a great feeling. Most of our volunteers say they feel like they get more than they give,” said Elaine Connelly, a volunteer at St. James Church.

Because giving back, being grateful and making memories are what the holidays are all about.