The 'Toys For Toys' drive at our December meeting was a success! Congratulations and thank you to all our members and guests who gave from their heart! As a result of your gracious donations we made a difference in some chikdren's live. The proof is in the letter below:
Dear Lhea,I can’t tell you what a wonderful surprise it was to receive your phone call that the Long Island Center for Business & Professional Women had toys to contribute for the holidays for the children at Hi-Hello Child Care Center.
The families who attend our Center are truly the working poor of Long Island. 98% of them receive child care subsidies from the Department of Social Services so that they can go to work…and their children can be in a safe, nurturing and educational environment. Most of them struggle to provide necessities for their children. Sometimes, toys at Christmas are not part of those necessities. For some of the children, the toy they receive at our Center is their only one for the holidays. This has been especially true these past two holiday seasons, as the economic climate has exacerbated their struggle to provide and survive.
Our wonderful community partners, like the LI Center, were more generous than ever. Despite the economic conditions that everyone is experiencing, there was a sense that “there are others worse off than I am.” As a fundraiser, I always marvel at the compassion and generosity that is shown by those who give so freely of themselves.
Please let the members of LI Center know how appreciative I am on behalf of the families and staff at Hi-Hello.
And, let me take this opportunity to extend my best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year to everyone at the Long Island for Business & Professional Women.
Cordially,
Fran Karliner
Director of Development
Hi-Hello Child Care Center, Inc