Children of the City Distributes Toys To Hudreds Of Disadvanted Children And Makes Christmas Special For One Girl
As toys and gifts were being distributed to hundreds of disadvantaged children in attendance on Saturday December 20, 2008, Children of the City was also able to facilitate a very special Christmas for one unfortunate girl and her family which will not soon be forgotten.
On this special day, 600 children and 100 adults were invited to the headquarters of Children of the City located at 740-40th Street, Brooklyn where hundreds of toys and gifts were distributed. "Dozens of amazing adults volunteered time during the week of December 15-19 to gift wrap the donations of toys we received and many of them brought toy donations themselves" said Joyce Mattera, Founder and Executive Director. "Children of the City was glad to facilitate receiving the donations because our partners knew we could get it into the hands of the neediest children.”
Earlier that week one of our visitation volunteers brought to our attention a young girl, Angela R. who was undergoing some difficult circumstances. Through the Winter Wishes Project facilitated by New York Cares and Morgan Stanley, Angela had not gotten her wish list in on time to receive any gifts. “When we read her letter we all were moved" shared Joyce Mattera, Founder and Executive Director. Her father had recently passed away and her mother said they couldn't afford Christmas this year. We were able to inquire into the situation to confirm the details, and then asked our partner Morgan Stanley to help us facilitate fulfilling this girl's Christmas. One of their employees, George A., generously purchased clothes, other items, and assembled a brand-new bicycle for her just two days before the event. Angela R. was called to the front and surprised with the gifts. Through tears in her eyes, she exclaimed this was the "best Christmas ever!" She ran downstairs to get her mom who was attending a Parent workshop on a lower level. "Come and see what Children of the City gave me!" exclaimed little Angela.
Christmas toys and gifts were donated by several partners of Children of the City, including St. John's Bread and Life, Brianna's Hair Salon, Basile Builders, NYCRC, Hamption Christian School in Virginia, Payless Shoe Source, New York Cares/Morgan Stanley, and other individuals. "We know these are tough economic times and we are glad for the opportunity to show that we care about the children and families in the community we serve" said Joyce Mattera. "We are glad that Angela R. was able to enjoy Christmas this year and that the hundreds of children in attendance could see that wishes can come true."
