L-R-Erin Anderson-Ferncliff Manor, Jeffrey Fox-Abilities First, Paca Lipovac-Richmond Children’s Center , Molly Gibeau-Griffin-and Tamara Salmon-Jawonio, Senator Nick Spano Chair Operation Santa Claus, Jay Tabasco and Corrine Safarowic-Westchester School for Special Children, Megan Lombardo-ACDS, Tom Meier-Co-chair Operation Santa Claus
In what has become a Yonkers holiday tradition, Operation Santa Claus awarded grants to assist developmentally disabled children and adults and will hold its Annual Holiday Party Brunch on December 3rd at 10AM at Castle Royale, 92 Waverly Street, Yonkers.
“Operation Santa Claus is a Yonkers tradition that began more than sixty years ago” said Senator Nick Spano, Operation Santa Claus Honorary Chairman. “The money raised from the generosity of our residents and businesses show their vested interest in building our community and commitment to our city.”
Several area organizations that serve persons with developmental disabilities were awarded grants, including:
- ACDS Westchester
- Sail at Ferncliff Manor
- Richmond Community Services
- Westchester School for Special Children
- Jawonio
- Abilities First
- Westchester Parks Foundation
“ACDS feels so fortunate to be supported once again by Operation Santa Claus. This support is instrumental in ensuring the high-quality programs and services our young students and their families deserve. It is especially appreciated given the challenges of the past 2 years. Thank you to all the donors, to Senator Nick Spano and his team, and to the broader Westchester community for their commitment to meeting the needs of vulnerable children with developmental disabilities.” Michael M. Smith, Chief Executive Officer ACDS
“At Richmond Community Services, we speak about creating enviable lives for all the people we support,” said Paca Lipovac, President/CEO, Richmond Community Services. “The generosity and dedication of Senator Nick Spano and Operation Santa Claus allows us to do just that. These funds enable us to invest not only in technology and equipment but, more importantly, open new doors of independence and joy for those we serve.”
“Thank you so much to Operation Santa Claus. This money will go a long way to lifting our children’s holiday spirit during these trying times” Corinne Safarowic. Education Director of The Westchester School
For years, the generosity of Operation Santa Claus has helped us to provide state of the art adaptive and recreational equipment, essential to helping those we serve thrive far beyond expectation. Together, we have developed innovative pathways for improved communication, increased social inclusion and so much more. We are grateful to Operation Santa Claus for their support in advancing our mission to insure self-rewarding and independent lives for the people we serve, as they participate in and contribute to the life of our communities.
“Their valued partnership is an important part of our efforts to provide those we serve with the superior, individualized programs and services that build a lifelong foundation for personal independence, well-being, and self-esteem. Thank you, Operation Santa Claus, for your continued commitment.” Erin Anderson, Ferncliff Manor
“On behalf of all of us at Jawonio, we want to thank The Spano Family who have always been tremendous supporters of the most vulnerable in the Yonkers community. This wonderful donation from Operation Santa will make an immediate difference in the lives of the people we support.” Randi Rios-Castro, CEO, Jawonio
“We are truly grateful to be included in this tradition of charity, and we thank Senator Spano for prioritizing support for children and adults with special needs. These funds will help us in our ongoing mission to assist people with special needs as they strive for independence, meaningful involvement in their communities, and social fulfillment.” Jeffery Fox, President & CEO, Abilities First, Inc.
Operation Santa Claus will hold its Annual Holiday Party Brunch on December 3rd at 10AM at Castle Royale, 92 Waverly Street, Yonkers, NY ) For more information or to purchase tickets please contact Gail Burns at 914-469-4835 or by email at gmb927@gmail.com.
