“Angel” donor Phylis Hyacinthe (far right) gives her gift to grandparent Elsie
Pitre, with the help of Santa and State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, left
Record Number of “Angels” Give Back
Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins’ Angel Project, an annual holiday gift drive for grandparents serving as primary caregivers for their grandchildren, brought festive cheer to a record 184 families in time for the holidays. The initiative, now in its eighth year, aims to recognize the dedicated efforts of these grandparents and provide them with a moment of joy during the holiday season.
At the Angel Project holiday luncheon held this week at Yonkers’ Castle Royale, Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins told attendees, “The Angel Project is a way for us to show gratitude to the unsung heroes in our communities—grandparents who, out of love, take on the responsibility of raising their grandchildren. It’s a small token of appreciation for their selflessness, and it is heartwarming to see so many ‘angels’ coming together to make a difference.”
Senator Stewart-Cousins continued, “This luncheon is our way of appreciating all of our ‘angels’—those who are giving of themselves, and those who are kind enough to bring some holiday cheer to those who might not otherwise have it.”
The Angel Project was established eight years ago by Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, who recognized a gap in holiday initiatives, with most focusing solely on providing gifts for children. Understanding that many grandparents, often on fixed incomes, sacrifice their own needs to care for their grandchildren, Majority Leader Stewart-Cousin sought to celebrate those who seldom receive recognition for their selfless efforts. This year’s gifts were purchased and donated by 144 generous “angels” who fulfilled the grandparents’ wish lists.
“The Angel Project gives me the opportunity to pay it forward. Especially in these times, it’s very important that we promote love, and we promote peace, and we look for opportunities to support those in our communities,” said Cheryl Brannan, one of this year’s “angels” and the Founder and CEO of Sister to Sister International. “I have seen this project grow leaps and bounds over the years, and the Senator has done a great job of helping grandmothers and grandfathers who are investing in their loved ones, but don’t always get a gift during the holidays.”
This year’s Angel Project received invaluable support from partner organizations committed to the cause. Family Service Society of Yonkers, Family Ties of Westchester, New Rochelle Housing Authority, Westchester County Department of Social Services, and the Yonkers YWCA all collaborated with Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins to identify grandparents in need and distribute the gifts in time for the holidays.
