Every holiday season, AHRC Nassau staff seek to respond to the needs of people and families in its network. This year, despite the continuing pandemic, issues with the global supply chain and staffing challenges, there remained a deep commitment to making wished-for and much-needed gifts ready for the holiday season.

Under holiday trees in Brookville and Plainview, AHRC staff selected a paper ornament with a wished-for item and replaced it with a beautifully wrapped gift. St. Luke Preschool and Early Childhood Center in Dix Hills shopped for and wrapped over 100 gifts for BCCS families.

The Greco and Munz families have been longtime, annual leaders of this holiday campaign. In addition to the tree wishes, they have included over a dozen men and women supported in AHRC Nassau’s residential program who struggle during the holidays.

“These men and women remember the holidays shared with their family and unfortunately, their family is now gone,” shared Deanna Allen, Director of AHRC Residential Services. “It is so incredible to feel the love that comes through when these gifts and cards are opened.”

The Knights of Columbus James Norton Council retooled their annual holiday party and instead delivered notes and gifts to AHRC homes in the Glen Cove area. “This season is about giving,” shared Knight Richie Alois.

Volunteers from AHRC Day Services are part of the team, picking ups gifts, sorting them and making sure they are under the right tree for the holiday.

“This was incredibly meaningful this year,” shared staff leader Jerri Walker. “Such an outpouring of generosity and service form our community should give us all hope.”