Helping Hands and Santa visit Early Development Program

The Helping Hands and Santa visited Central Islips Early Development Program. Children from all over Suffolk County worked tirelessly in Santa's Work Shop at the American Legion Hall In West Islip to transform once loved, pre-owned "misfit" toys into treasures for other children.

More than 6000 toys were cleaned, decorated and prepared for Santa's sleigh. Toys were distributed throughout the month to 17 local charities and individual families.

The founder of the program Jennifer Gallozzi and her husband Robert,alias Santa, started the Helping Hands Progran in 1990 for the enrichment of their three girls Jaime, Jodie and Jannah. The program started out with the support of hundreds of West Islip families and spread to all neighboring communities.

Youngsters who took part in this year's program came from not only West Islip but also the Bayshore and Babylon school distrticts, New Beginnings nursery, and various Girl and Boy scout groups. They represent shining examples of the true spirit of the season, said organizers.

The program runs year round and receives no government funding. You can find out more on the organization's website at www.freewebs.com/hhinwi.

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