While holiday celebrations were taking place throughout the agency, many of the people we support and the professionals who support them were focused on making the holiday season extra special for families in need.

In December, people supported by day services contributed to donation drives with the goal of increasing food access across Long Island and providing gifts to families. Among the many community service activities was a Toys for Tots drive led mainly by team members and people receiving services at the Freeport location.

People at Freeport were busy all month long. In addition to leading the Toys for Tots drive, the Freeport crew continued their community service work, including shopping for seniors and the food pantry.

Kevin McLaughlan, who receives services at Freeport, shared what he loves most about being of service. “I love food shopping because we help people out.”

Kevin and his peers regularly travel with Pat Andreaci, a Direct Support Professional (DSP), who assists them while they shop for coffee, soda, eggs, milk, and juice. “Just regular stuff,” Kevin said.

Pat also drove Kevin and his peers to the post office to deliver the donated toys for Toys for Tots.

“We have a toy drive every year here,” Pat said. “I donate to everything we do.” As far as donations go, Pat is in good company as both people supported and staff contributed to the toy drive. She donated about eight toys ranging from toy trucks to nail polish kits offering a variety of options to the recipients.

Although the Toys for Tots drive takes place once a year, the food shopping and pantry donations continue year-round—fueled mainly from funds earned through bottle recycling.

“We like to help,” shared Kevin.