Spreading holiday cheer to struggling families

Each Saturday since shortly after the start of the coronavirus pandemic the Valley Stream Presbyterian Church has partnered with Long Island Cares, to serve as an emergency food pick-up location for families in need.

But with Christmas approaching, this past Saturday, Dec. 19 the church did a bit more, and partnered with representatives from the Staples company and Chapters Cable Television Network to donate school supplies and toys to families. 

“What better time to have an extra toy under the tree and food, than during a pandemic?” the Rev. Kymberly Clemons-Jones, pastor of the church, said. “There are people who have never seen themselves in a line to receive food donations, but because of the pandemic they are now.”

Valley Streamer Steve Vaccaro, who leads Chapters Cable Television Network, said that he partnered with the church to donate toys because helping give back to others is something that he said he has always felt called to do. 

“There are people who are struggling to buy both food and toys during this holiday season and when they have to choose between buying food or toys, they have to pick food first, which means they will have less under the tree,” he said. “I have trouble seeing other people struggle, and I wanted to help bring some joy to people in need.”

Many of the other volunteers with Chapters and Staples shared similar sentiments about giving back during the holiday season. 

South Hempstead resident, LeShawn Walker, who runs “You’re Our Unity” show on the Chapters T.V. network, said she came to volunteer because she said she believes helping others is necessary.  

“Events like this help the community keep the children and residents filled with love and hope and it keeps them inspired and encouraged,” she said.  “It warms my heart to give back because it makes me feel like I’m doing my part, as a compassionate person. This is the season for giving back and I want to make sure I spread a spirit of cheer, joy, love and togetherness.”

Huntington resident, Tyler Gianchetta, who runs the Chapters Rap “Youth Heroes Show” on the Chapters T.V. Network, said he volunteered because he wanted to spread positivity to others.  

“The best part about volunteering is seeing everyone come together and devote themselves to a cause, which shows we are all a part of something bigger,” he said. “I think now during the pandemic this has been even more helpful then it would have been other years when there wasn’t a pandemic.”

Fadilja Kajosevic, and Joana Pena volunteered on behalf of Staples. 

“We are very pleased to represent on behalf of our company, Staples, and to donate to people in need,” Kajosevic said. 

“It’s such an honor and a heartfelt moment every time we give away a bag of supplies to a family in need,” Penia said.