Each of the fifty Stop & Shop stores across Nassau and Suffolk Counties adopted an area family through Family & Children’s Association (FCA) and today presented them with holiday gifts picked specifically for them. More than $20,000 was spent fulfilling the 50 Christmas wish lists, which included toys, clothing and other necessities to families identified by FCA.

 

“We are so very grateful for Stop & Shop’s continued commitment to Long Island families.    

 

Not only did their staff persevere through an historic pandemic, but they’ve also now donated more than $20,000 worth of holiday gifts for their neighbors in need,” said FCA President & CEO Dr. Jeffrey L. Reynolds. “It’s been a challenging year for everyone, but we are ending 2021 on a high note with so much love, care and compassion from the Stop & Shop team and that’s what the holiday season is all about.”

 

“Holiday time is difficult for families who struggle with a host of issues, with limited finances being a reality for most,” said FCA Vice President of Prevention and Family Support, Donna Teichner. “I see firsthand the struggles of our families who are working multiple jobs to meet their basic needs of food, rent and clothing. With the early holiday sponsorship from Stop & Shop, our families can embrace this holiday season knowing that out of the kindness of the Stop & Shop community, their children will have gifts to open this holiday season.”

 

“Adopting families through FCA has been a wonderful experience for my store team,” said Carl Caixeiro, Store Manager of Stop & Shop Oceanside. “It’s a joy to not only help our Long Island neighbors with what’s on their dining tables, but also with what’s under their Christmas trees.”

 

“For most of these families, we are their Christmas,” said Willa Kagan, Store Manager of Stop & Shop Levittown. “To play such an important role in the lives of fellow Long Islanders this holiday season is very gratifying.”

 

The gifts requested included diapers, infant toys, Barbie dolls, rattles, Disney Frozen-themed toys, Leap Frog educational toys, Legos, winter coats, winter boots, socks, home essentials and gift cards.