Nassau Police Unions Send Families In Need On Christmas Shopping Spree
HEWLETT, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Dozens of families in need on Long Island didn't have to wait for Santa for Christmas to kick off this year.
As 1010 WINS' Holli Haerr reported, Elsa dolls, Lego sets and other toys flew off the shelves at Matty's Toy Stop in Hewlett as more than 100 children enjoyed a Christmas Eve shopping spree thanks to Nassau County's police unions.
Families were bused to the toy store courtesy of the Nassau County Police Benevolent Association and NCPD Foundation, which provided each family with a $100 gift certificate for toys, CBS2's Scott Rapoport reported.
"Every kid should have the opportunity to wake up on Christmas morning and be able to have a toy and feel special," said PBA President James Carver.
Sonia and her 10-year-old daughter Erica were thrilled to attend.
"It feels good. It's a nice feeling; I'm glad that Nassau County came together and did this," Sonia said.
"It's amazing. I was in tears. This is allowing me to help give my kids a bit of a better holiday. And we've had a rough few months," said one parent.
This is the first year the Nassau police unions have put together this event, and Carver said it's a good feeling.
"And try to bring some joy to those kids that otherwise wouldn't have a joyous Christmas," he said. "We all tend to take for granted what we have in our lives."
Matty's Toy Stop also chipped in an addiational $10 per family and paid for all of the taxes on what everyone bought.
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