More than 50 residents got into the holiday spirit Thursday afternoon at Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, with help from a former New York Jet.

Former Jets cornerback Bobby Jackson stopped by the nonprofit’s Christmas celebration, signing autographs and posing for photos with residents. For many in attendance, the visit was a memorable surprise.

Barbara Carballeira, of Old Bethpage, couldn’t hide her excitement. A lifelong Jets fan, her love for the green and white was passed down from her father.

“I’m a really big fan of the Jets. Bobby is the best Jets player ever,” Carballeira said. At one point, she even broke out into a familiar chant.

“I had to say it out loud — J-E-T-S, Jets! Jets! Jets!” she said.

For Jackson, the visit carried just as much meaning as it did for the residents.

“She kept giving me hugs. She was so sincere. She even put me on the phone with one of her friends,” Jackson said. “She was just really excited that I was here.”

FREE provides a wide range of services for people with developmental disabilities. Jackson said the celebration quickly became emotional for him.

“One young man, I liked his shirt and asked him when his birthday was. He said May 14,” Jackson said. “That date is special to me because it’s my dad’s birthday. He passed away 10 years ago. He gravitated toward me, and I truly believe my dad was guiding him toward me.”

For many residents, FREE says the annual celebration is more than just a party, it’s their holiday.

“The holidays are a really hard time of year for so many people,” said Nicole Wolf, chief program officer of Community Services for FREE. “We come together to make sure everyone feels celebrated and remembered.”

In addition to meeting Jackson, residents took part in decorating the doors to their classrooms, filling the space with festive themes and holiday cheer.