December 12, 2012

MANGANO JOINS “KIDS HELPING KIDS” FOR THEIR ANNUAL WINTER CLOTHING DRIVE

From left to right are: Michael D. Brown Vice President of Operations for Atlantic Automotive Group; John Pickett of the Atlantic Automotive Group; Dr. John Imhof Commissioner of the Department of Social Services for Nassau County: Karen Garber of the Nassau County Department of Social Services; Lynn Campbell of the Nassau County Volunteer Services; Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano; John Pickett and his brother Michael who donated hats and goods to the program for children in need; Bob Eslick Executive Director of “Kids Helping Kids; North Hempstead Town Councilwoman Viviana L. Russell; Herbert Flores of the Nassau County Office of Minority Affairs; Eldia Gonsales Director of the Nassau County Office of CASA; and Rick Bellando, Sales Manager, Oheka Castle.

Mineola, NY – Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano was joined today by over one hundred children at the 2012 “Making a Warmth of Difference” Coat and Winter Apparel Drive, held by Kids Helping Kids by Kids Way Inc. Founded in 1997 to encourage children under age 18 to get involved in philanthropy, Kids Way, Inc. has collected more than 6,000 brand-new coats and winter apparel to be donated to the Nassau County Department of Social Services, The Mary Brennan INN, the Education & Assistance Corporation, Circulo de la Hispanidad, and The Salvation Army.

“Since 1997, Kids Way, Inc. has done a great job of making a ‘warmth of difference’ in the lives of so many children,” said County Executive Mangano. “This coat drive is especially important this year, while so many families are still suffering through the effects of Hurricane Sandy. I am pleased that Nassau County can join Kids Way in this effort.”

During the 2012 holiday season, Kids Way, Inc. will deliver more than $400,000 in new coats, fleece, sweaters, hats, gloves, pajamas through the “Making a Warmth of Difference” program, and has distributed more than $1.4 million in apparel since its inception.

Kids Way Inc. Executive Director Bob Eslick said, “Many Long Island families are facing very tough economic times, especially since Hurricane Sandy, and this apparel will most certainly come in handy during the cold winter months which are upon us."

“Kids Way, Inc. and the “Making a Warmth of Difference” program has collected and donated thousands of “new” winter clothes to the Nassau County Department of Social Services. They are an outstanding example to young children in showing them how to reach out and care about children less fortunate than themselves,” said Dr. John Imhof, Commissioner of the Nassau County Department of Social Services.

For more information, please contact Kids Way Inc. at (516) 249-9449 or email happykidsclub@aol.com