There are thousands of families who are living in poverty, unable to provide for their children’s most basic needs. The holidays are times of increased stress and anxiety for these families. This is where Christmas Magic looks to help.

 

Christmas Magic aims to share hope and generosity for a better today and a brighter tomorrow. We seek to provide a spirit of hope, joy, and love to the disenfranchised within our communities. We bring holiday help to those in need, regardless of religious affiliation, gender, race, or sexual identity.

 

Each holiday season homeless shelters, churches, schools, and social services agencies throughout Long Island identify kids in need and refer them to Christmas Magic. Younger kids write letters to Santa and older kids send wish lists. Once we receive the letters and wish lists, a legion of volunteer Elves shop to make each wish come true. Each child’s wish is estimated to cost about $75.

 

Volunteer wrappers use hundreds of rolls of wrapping paper to wrap thousands of gifts. Our volunteer Santas, elves and costumed characters throw the best Christmas parties where kids can just be kids for a few hours. 

 

In addition to holiday parties for school aged children, Christmas Magic partners with local Head Start programs to put a quality educational toy into the hands of each pre-school child. Head Start programs promote school readiness of children ages birth to five from low-income families by supporting their development in a comprehensive way.  Their enrollment shows that 3- and 4-year-olds make up over 80 percent of the children served each year. 

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For 32 years, Christmas Magic has been funded solely by private donations and by word of mouth. We have deeply committed donors who not only give financially, but who jump in and get their hands dirty in the process of “making magic.”

 

There is no paid staff.  The “Magic” is accomplished by the participation of those who love kids and have huge hearts, strong backs and strong wills.  Hundreds of Long Islanders, just like Charlie Russo, that first Christmas “magic” in 1985, engage themselves in the invaluable gift of giving to others.

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