(Long Island, NY) With Christmas upon all of us, this month has been particularly joyous for my family and myself. The month of December is always a very busy month for me. My social calendar is always filled with charity events and fundraisers. I was especially grateful to be invited by the Vice President of Toys of Hope, Ms. Tina Alfano to attend the Toys of Hope Children’s event benefiting over 350 needy Children on December 12, 2006 at the fairytale magical historical setting of Oheka Castle in Cold Spring Hills, New York.
Each year for the past several years Toys of Hope and Oheka Castle celebrates their annual event for children ages 3-5 to a fabulous holiday festive party with clowns, DJ, Spongebob, Elmo, Cat in the Hat, Dora the Explorer, A Royal King and Queen and of Course Santa Claus is the star of the show surprising each child with a shopping bag full of books, mittens and special toys.
Richard Castellano, star of “Analyze This” stands with Cognac Wellerlane
Toys of Hope was established by its founder Melissa Doktofsky in 1994. Much to Melissa’s dismay, she realized that there are many unfortunate children living under severely difficult circumstances. There are many poor homeless children forced to live in shelters. Many children live in single parent environments where a new doll or toy is a very real luxury. There are many children that are immigrants and live in crowded apartments where the living conditions are not adequate. Melissa decided to try and make a difference by contacting local community groups and clergy to help her organize support for Toys of Hope in supplying needy children with toys and other items. In the last several years Toys of Hope has grown through the generous support of local businesses and the efforts of caring individuals to accomplish helping distressed children.
Toys of Hope’s mission is to supply books, clothing and of course toys to each and every underprivileged child regardless of race, religion, nationality or financial status. Every child deserves a fulfilling happier life and new toy can make a tremendous difference.
New York Islanders defense-man Bruno Gervais takes time to visit.
Toys of Hope believes in getting other children involved by getting boy scouts, girl scouts and students from elementary schools to volunteer to distribute and collect toys at their charity events teaching these children the necessity of community service value.
It is important to know that Toys of Hope sponsors many wonderful programs such as Music Lessons, Literacy Programs, Tutoring Programs, Art Lessons, Summer Camp, “Poor Paws”, “Out for a Day” and Tennis Lessons. It is a not for profit organization where one hundred percent of all money donated goes towards helping needy families.
Some of the wonderful celebrities that attended the event to show their support were Actors Brandon Hannan from the Sopranos, Richard Castellano from Analyze This, Dominick Mancino and Helen Proimos.
Please make a difference for needy children and their families this holiday season and contribute to Toys of Hope.
For more information about Toys of Hope, please visit www.toysofhope.org.
