The holiday season is a time to celebrate joy, give thanks and share prosperity with family and friends. It’s also a great reminder to give back to your community and many Long Islanders answered this call to action. Thanks to the generosity of others, the Options for Community Living, Inc. 2019 Holiday Adopt-A-Family Program and toy drive were an incredible success.
Options provides affordable supportive housing and case management services to more than 2,000 Long Islanders annually. “Our programs serve the most vulnerable individuals and families among us — people who have experienced homelessness due to persistent obstacles like serious mental illness, substance use disorders, or chronic medical conditions,” stated Yolanda Robano-Gross, Executive Director. “We are grateful that so many friends, local businesses, community groups, non-profits, and churches volunteered to support our holiday giving programs.”
This seasons toy drive provided 164 children (85 families) with games and toys, while 38 families received gifts through Options Adopt-a-Family Program. “We start our outreach in the fall, looking for new partners and hoping that people will repeat their participation to make the holidays magical for our families,” said Jessica Schwab, Options Development Assistant. “Somehow it all comes together. Gifts like bicycles, boots, Lego sets, and blankets are delivered to our offices and then to the families we serve across Long Island. For many, these are the only gifts they will receive.”
Options is especially grateful to the following organizations for their compassion and generosity: AutoMat Company; Collins Aerospace (Bohemia); Forchelli Deegan Terrana LLP; Fordham Financial Management; Kedrion Biopharma Inc.; Kiddie Care Early Learning Center; Levittown Lanes; Megan’s Dance Academy; North Fork Brewery; Platsky Company; Raich Ende Malter & Co. LLP; Sachem Public Library; Square Care Medical Group; St. Joseph’s Church of Kings Park; St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church of Smithtown; Stony Brook Medicine Office of Communications; Stony Brook University Division of Undergraduate Education, Division of Student Affairs, and Occupational Therapy Master’s Program; Teacher’s Federal Credit Union; The Fresh Market of Smithtown; as well as everyone that so generously shopped, wrapped and donated.