Sylvan Place block party fundraiser set for Dec. 21

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For the past 20 years during December, whenever people have driven down Sylvan Place in Valley Stream, they could see about 35 houses shining bright with decorations in preparation for the street’s annual Christmas block party fundraiser, which has collected donations for various charities over the years.

Since 2014, however, the seasonal tradition has taken on an additional meaning, with the neighbors on the block dedicating the event to two of their own, Christopher Schroeder, who died of cancer in 2013 at the age of 18, and Michael Smith, who had Down syndrome and died the same year at age 44.

As part of the fundraiser, a collection box is set up at 62 Sylvan Place, six houses down from Forest Road, where its sits now until Jan. 6, and the holiday tradition continues with the annual winter block party  set to take place on Saturday, Dec. 21.

The street will be closed from 6 to 10 p.m. to allow for neighbors and attendees from the surrounding area to come and enjoy a visit from Santa, free hot dogs, hot chocolate, candy canes and other treats provided by the Sylvan Place neighbors.

“It’s unheard of to have a block party in December, but this event gives people the opportunity to band together, whether it’s rain, sleet, or snow, to laugh, forget their troubles from last year and spend time together, while looking forward to the year to come,” said Alex Carr, who has helped organize the block party fundraiser for more than 15 years. “This block party is a way to give back and help people who need help . . . one of the most rewarding parts about it is knowing that this is helping people on my block who utilize these charities.” 

As is tradition, the proceeds from the donation box will be split between two different charities, Sunrise Day Camp in honor of Schroeder and Camp Anchor in honor of Smith.