The spirit of giving and community-building made the 2025 holiday season especially memorable. Together, people supported, agency staff and volunteers created moments of joy and connection during meaningful traditions, festive events, and activities that celebrated the warmth of the season.
“With the rising cost of living on Long Island, the kindness and generosity of volunteers made sure the holiday spirit shone brightly for families in need,” said Jerri Walker, Volunteer and Project Coordinator. “I cannot say thank you enough to everyone in our community who gave this holiday season — and contributes to the extraordinary community spirit that shines year-round.”
Acts of Generosity
For more than two decades, the Greco-Munz family—led by Marie and Eric Greco, and their daughter Tina Munz—has been making Christmas wishes come true for AHRC families in need during the holiday season. This heartfelt tradition began long before Tina’s son, Michael Munz, was born but it’s a tradition he has grown up witnessing and now plays a role in continuing. Each year, the family adopts several families and spends many weekends and online hours shopping for gifts, wrapping them, and delivering everything to AHRC Nassau in Plainview so that presents are under the tree in time for Christmas.
This year, Michael, now 17 and a junior at Chaminade High School, used money he saved from his summer job to purchase a bicycle—one of the most wished-for gifts.
“Growing up, my parents instilled the importance of giving back and helping others when we can,” shared Tina. “It’s really wonderful to see my son learning those same values and finding joy in making someone else’s holiday special.”
Thank you to the Greco-Munz family for continuing to spread kindness, warmth, and the true spirit of the season, year after year!
Another meaningful giving tradition centered on the holiday tree in the heart of the Brookville mansion. Decorated with ornaments highlighting gifts requests for families in need, AHRC staff and community volunteers exchanged ornaments for gifts, ranging from articles of clothing to electronics and toys. All requests help families caring for a family member with a developmental disability living at home who struggle during the holidays.
Fun-filled Holiday Festivities
To celebrate the season, over 100 people supported by AHRC Nassau Residential Services, staff and friends gathered at The Sterling in Bethpage to dance, share a meal, and make memories. Santa stopped by to join the festivities, take photos, and dance the night away. Read more about the party here.
Also, people supported by AHRC Day Services enjoyed holiday activities that included learning about different December celebrations like Kwanzaa and taking trips to see holiday shows. Thanks to a recreational grant from NYSARC Trust Services, special performances attended included The Happy Elf at the Argyle Theater and Christmas House at the Broadway Mall. These occasions supported people to explore their community and develop their social skills.
Day Services team members also capped off the year with a festive agency-wide spirit week featuring fun themed dress-up days like Holiday Hat Day and Ugly Christmas Sweater Day.
Special Thanks to Our Holiday Champions
The season of giving extended to Americana Manhasset’s Champions for Charity™ 2024 shopping event. Thank you to all the holiday shoppers who kept us in mind while making your purchases. As a benefactor, 25% of your full-priced, pre-tax transaction went directly to our organization. This donation goes toward enhancing services and supports for people with developmental disabilities supported by AHRC Nassau.