Easter Seals New York Holiday Outreach and Toy Drive Spreads Holiday Cheer

Monday, December 19th, 2011, 4:00 p.m. at Project Discovery, 88 East Main Street, Port Jervis, NY 12771

NEW YORK, Dec.16, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Easter Seals New York will host its annual Holiday Outreach and Toy Drive on Monday, December 19th, at the Project Discovery Child Development Center in Port Jervis, New York. Beginning at 4:00 p.m., families and individuals can line up to receive toys, winter clothing, warm holiday meals, assorted housewares, and more. Various companies in New York City and Hudson Valley have generously donated toys for the outreach, including IDB Bank and Target. Graciously donating their time also will be members of the New York State Fraternal Order of Police, as well as members of Amway IBO's.

"We have had a wonderful local outpouring of support for our Community Outreach," commented Hayrim Byun, Easter Seals New York Vice President of Major Gifts & Planned Giving. "Easter Seals New York is incredibly appreciative of our friends' generosity that is making it possible to serve so many individuals and families in Port Jervis."

In 2010, over 1,000 individuals came out to our December Holiday Outreach, with over 3,000 toys alone being distributed to children in need. When many local families struggle to make ends meet, Easter Seals New York's Community Outreach Program offers monthly essentials such as food and clothing, as well as a conduit for accessing public health and social services for the community. In 2011, Outreach served over 6,500 people and distributed approximately 65,000 pounds of food.

"The Annual Toy Drive is a wonderful opportunity to give children in need the toys and winter coats they deserve," says Edward Vicinanza, Chairman of the Hudson Valley Regional Board. "With the incredible support of my fellow Hudson Valley board member Mike Essig, and other members of the New York State Fraternal Order of Police and their Foundation, we are able to give seriously disadvantaged families the care they need during the holidays and year round."

Easter Seals is the Nation's leading non-profit provider of services for individuals with autism, developmental, physical, and mental disabilities, and other special needs. Easter Seals New York provides exceptional services to ensure that all people with disabilities or special needs and their families have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play in their communities. For almost 90 years, Easter Seals New York has been offering help and hope to children and adults living with disabilities, and to the families who love them. 

For more information about Easter Seals New York or our 2011 Hunger Initiative Drive, please visit www.eastersealsny.org.

Contact:
Nora Liebman
(503)708-3742
[email protected]

SOURCE Easter Seals New York