Mangano Announces “Kids Helping Kids” Holiday Benefit
Nassau County, NY - November 8th, 2014 - Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano announces the “Making a Warmth of Difference” Winter Apparel Program held by Kids Helping Kids by Kids Way Inc. will host their Annual Holiday Benefit Dinner Gala on Thursday, December 11th, 2014. This marks the 11th Annual “Making a Warmth of Difference” winter apparel program which has benefitted thousands of kids and families most in need on Long Island and beyond. Kids Helping Kids by Kids Way, Inc. encourages philanthropy in young people under the age of 18.
Executive Director Bob Eslick stated, “Our members have spent thousands of volunteer hours via a variety of programs with a vision, dedication and a drive that addresses various community and individual needs. It began with a legacy of community service to improve the quality of life for many, specifically “kids in need”. This vision continues today and with our “no excuse” attitude significant achievement can occur.”
The “Making a Warmth of Difference” Winter Apparel Program focuses on collecting new branded winter apparel rather than used to give to children and families in need. For many children who live in economically challenged areas they do not always receive new branded apparel but this program provides an opportunity to give them something “special” that will keep them warm during the cold winter months. Since 2004 Kids Helping Kids by Kids Way, Inc. has distributed $1.8 million in branded winter apparel to “kids most in need” throughout Long Island and the surrounding areas.
“Founded in 1997, Kids Way has done a terrific job of making a ‘world of difference’ on many levels in the lives of so many children and families throughout Nassau,” said County Executive Mangano. “I am pleased that Nassau County can partner with this organization to provide an opportunity for children most in need stay warm during the cold months upon us.”
During the 2014 Holiday season, Kids Way, Inc. will deliver more than $400,000 in new branded winter apparel through their “Making a Warmth of Difference” Winter Apparel Program. Proceeds from this year’s holiday benefit gala will be used towards their “Kids of Distinction” Community Scholarship Program established in 2005 which helps scholarship recipients fund some of their college education and related expenses. The scholarship program was created to recognize young residents who not only demonstrate academic skills, but who involve themselves in voluntary community and charity activities on their own individual initiatives.
Kids Helping Kids by Kids Way Inc. Executive Director Bob Eslick added, “Many Long Island families are still facing very tough economic times, and this apparel will most certainly come in handy during the cold winter months which are upon us now."
“Kids Way has collected and donated thousands of new winter apparel 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 Helping Kids by Kids Way, Inc. at (516) 249-9449 or email happykidsclub@aol.com.