Season of Giving at Mercy Haven
“It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” ~ Mother Teresa
Generosity comes in many shapes – including warm blankets, gift cards, Thanksgiving gift baskets, and a big jolly Santa. Each of these was donated by local businesses, non-profits and churches in 2014 to help brighten the holiday season for Mercy Haven residents.
The holiday season began with the generous gift of 25 Thanksgiving Baskets that included all of the fixin’s for a delicious dinner. The baskets were generously donated by our friends at Regional Planning Associates and happily delivered to Mercy Haven residents by our housing specialists.
On Tuesday, December 16, Santa arrived with a “Ho, Ho, Ho” just in time to celebrate the Holidays with Mercy Haven’s children and their families at Mercy Enrichment in Brentwood.
Santa and his elves from Holiday Magic, a not-for-profit organization based in Hauppauge, brought gifts for all of Mercy Haven’s children. For over 25 years, Holiday Magic and their corporate partners have been raising necessary funds to complete the holiday wish lists of thousands of homeless children across Long Island.
Children and their families enjoyed a festive music, a pizza dinner and plenty of crafts and fun activities, as they awaited Santa’s arrival. The highlight of the evening took place in the beautifully decorated living room, with all the children gathered around Santa to receive their presents. Delivering gifts like laptop computers, Lego sets and bicycles to necessities such as snow boots and warm winter coats and blankets, Santa definitely helped us all believe in the magic of the season. For many of the youngsters, these were the only gifts they received. With warm, happy smiles, this magical evening was enjoyed by all.
Gifts of warm throw blankets were donated to Mercy Haven for its many adult participants as well. Listed below are the businesses, non-profits and faith-communities who helped to make the holidays cheerful for our residents in 2014. We thank them for their continued generosity and for joining us to create a shared community of compassion.
