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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 9, 2014
MEDIA CONTACTS: Ryan Mulholland, Sam Marksheid and Rebecca Cheng | (516) 869-7794
North Hempstead Teams Up with Santa to Distribute Gifts at Magnolia Gardens
Westbury, NY – North Hempstead Councilwoman Viviana Russell, members of the Town’s Housing Authority, local seniors, and Santa Claus gathered at Magnolia Gardens in Westbury on January 6th to hand out presents to children from Westbury’s Head Start Day Care Center.
This was the last of the five scheduled gift drives organized by North Hempstead’s Housing Authority, which provides comfortable and affordable housing in a safe and secure living environment for low and moderate-income residents throughout the Town. Previous gift-giving events occurred at Spinney Hill Homes and Pond View Homes in Manhasset, Harbor Homes in Port Washington, and Laurel Homes in Roslyn Heights.
It was also the second straight year that such a toy drive was held. All of the donations for presents came from local organizations including: The John Thiessen Children’s Foundation, Toys for Tots, The Unified New Cassel Community Revitalization Corporation, and The Marty Lyons Foundation. The gifts were then generously wrapped by senior residents at Magnolia Gardens.
“Events like this are extremely rewarding,” said Councilwoman Russell. “To see these organizations and local seniors selflessly come together to provide these children with amazing presents is such a thrill. I know that we’ve made the holiday season a little better for these children, and put smiles on their faces.”
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Santa Claus is flanked on the right by Councilwoman Viviana Russell and on the left by North Hempstead Housing Authority Executive Director Sean Rainey, along with the seniors of Magnolia Garden and children from Westbury’s Head Start Day Care Center.
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Santa Claus gives out presents to the children, assisted by Councilwoman Viviana Russell (behind Santa) and North Hempstead Housing Authority Executive Director Sean Rainey (left)