12/28/09

NASSAU COUNTY SOCIAL SERVICE VOLUNTEERS SPONSOR THE
HOLIDAY PARTY FOR CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE
ON DECEMBER 29TH

County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi announced today that the Social Services Volunteers of Nassau will be hosting their annual Holiday Party for children in foster care on Tuesday, December 29, 2009 from 12:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. at  the Marriott, located at 101 James Doolittle Boulevard, Uniondale, NY.    This is the 32nd year that this heartwarming event is being held.  “Our children are the future of Nassau County.  Every child in foster care has an opportunity to participate in this party and visit with other youngsters, making it a very special day.  Without the planning and support of the Social Service Volunteers and Nassau County Department of Social Services staff, this event would not be possible,” said County Executive Suozzi.  “We are grateful for their caring and support.”

Every child in foster care will receive a gift from Santa and Mrs. Claus.  In addition to a disc jockey, the youngsters will be invited to participate in a talent show.  “We have children as young as 3 years old dancing to music, siblings singing, and some youngsters playing musical instruments.  It is truly an inspiring day,” said Social Services Commissioner John E. Imhof.           

The Marianne Anderson School of Dance in Wantagh will also entertain our children, foster families and invited guests.

The KIDS HELPING KIDS organization sponsored, “Making a Warmth of Difference” and collected several hundred new coats which were delivered to the Social Services Volunteers of Nassau County for distribution to those in need. As part of their “Making a Warmth of Difference” campaign, youngsters from this non-for-profit group also delivered new fleece sweatshirts for children in foster care.

There are other activities for children at the party.  Junior and Senior High School students throughout Nassau County will be setting up craft tables.  Children in foster care can make beaded bracelets and necklaces, have their faces painted, and get temporary tattoos.  Several teenage groups have also helped the Social Services Volunteers in organizing the toys for the party and making sure every gift is wrapped.  We have over 400 gifts wrapped and ready to give out on December 29th.

For further information about volunteering at the Department of Social Services, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Lynne Campbell, at 516-227- 7415.  For information about becoming a foster or adoptive parent, please call 516-227-8284.