by JIMMY VIELKIND
Wide-eyed toddlers pointed and cooed as Santa Claus rode into Times Square on a fire truck, their joy bursting into smiles as Kris Kringle lifted them onto the tower ladder for a ride through the sky. As a marching band of clowns played familiar carols, Santa led the kids into the flagship Toys "R" Us, which they had to themselves yesterday morning, courtesy of the firefighters' union. It was an early Christmas present for 800 kids who have one thing in common: their fathers are fallen New York firefighters who won't be home for the holidays. "It's amazing," said 11-year-old Angela Meyran, whose father, Curtis, was an FDNY lieutenant who died in the Bronx blaze that killed three Bravest last year on what's known as Black Sunday. "Last year I was walking around with my mouth open and this year, it's even better. But I'd give it all up to have him," she said. The Uniformed Firefighters Association sponsors the event and donates money for gifts every year, and Toys "R" Us signed on after the Sept. 11 attacks became the deadliest day in department history. This year, Yankees closer Mariano Rivera and wrestler Jeff Hardy were on hand to sign autographs. "It's the kids' dream come true to have the run of a toy store," said widow Lisa Jordan, whose husband died on Sept. 11 and who was first in line with her four children. "It makes them feel special and it makes them realize their father was special to everyone."
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