Children in Long Island Receive a Surprise Christmas Gift
In a heart‑warming event held Wednesday at Matty’s Toy Shop in Rockville Centre, almost a hundred homeless children from Hempstead were treated to a holiday surprise. The occasion, organized by Republican gubernatorial hopeful Bruce Blakeman, Hempstead Village Mayor Waylyn Hobbs, and local police, turned the walk‑in store into a “Supermarket Sweep”‑style playground where kids could run ahead and grab toys from the shelves.
The youngsters, ranging from toddlers to teens, were given shopping vouchers worth up to $100 thanks to a $10,000 contribution from the law firm Sullivan‑Papin. “When these kids come in, and you see the excitement, them running around the store, picking out toys — money can’t match that— this is Christmas,” said lawyer Bob Sullivan.
The event drew a mix of children identified through school districts and those staying in local shelters. One 5‑year‑old, Selena, beamed a grin as she humorously answered a question about her enjoyment, saying, “50 million.” Other kids squealed with delight as they piled their bags with remote‑control cars, Lite Brites and other prizes.
“We’re here on Christmas Eve to make sure that all of these young people here today get a gift so that they have a happy and a Merry Christmas — because we want all our children in Nassau County to be happy, especially today,” Blakeman told reporters on scene. “We love the children in Nassau County. You’re the future of America, and the future is very bright because of you,” he added.
“It helps out a lot, especially with the economy now,” said mother Tiffany Jackson, whose son MJ had a big grin after finding his own Christmas goodies.
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