The 1906 Project, Inc., Celebrates 10th Annual HolidayToy Giveaway
- Press Release -
(Jamaica, NY) — The 1906 Project, Inc., celebrated the holiday season with local families by providing free gifts and entertainment to more than 300 children during the 10th Annual Christmas Toy Giveaway & Magic Show at The Saratoga Family Inn homeless shelter in Southeast Queens.
Emmy-Award Winning TV Personality Julian Phillips hosted the event where scores of children and their families temporarily housed at the shelter enjoyed music, food and the magic show.
President Jean Duchatellier said that The 1906 Project is able to assist local communities and help develop tomorrow’s leaders by partnering with individuals, local businesses and other not-for-profit organizations.
Duchatellier told the packed audience at the December 20th event that “we are here because we care.”
“We are proud of our partnership with The Saratoga Family Inn and their continued commitment to help children and families,” Duchatellier said.
The Saratoga Family Inn is the largest family homeless shelter in the city serving as temporary home to more than 250 families and 375 children.
Delivering an inspirational message championing family values, The 1906 Project Board Member Attorney Everett Hopkins told the audience to stay encouraged and prepare for the brighter days ahead.
“We want you to know that we believe in you,” said Hopkins of the Hopkins Law Group, LLC. “You can do anything, if you stay focused and keep working hard.”
Other participants, included: The 1906 Project Board Members CPA Jeff Terry and Raymond Gamble, local Community Advocate Fred T. Simmons and Civil Rights Attorney Eric Sanders of the Sanders Firm, P.C.
“The most important thing is that we were able to bring happiness to children and families that could use a little holiday cheer,” said Attorney Sanders, who makes an annual contribution to the event. “I want to thank The 1906 Project, Inc., for their efforts to help our communities.”
Contact: 1906 Project, Inc. | Jean Duchatellier | (917) 309-8283
Curtis Taylor at (646) 741–9615 | curtismediapr@gmail.com@gmail.com
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The 1906 Project, Inc., is a not-for-profit organization working to build stronger neighborhoods in Southeast Queens by partnering with individuals and institutions to advance quality local service initiatives that help develop tomorrow’s leaders.
The 1906 Project Inc., Partners With Local Civic Leaders In Southeast Queens To Bring Early Holiday Cheer
- Press Release -
More Than 250 Children Treated To Magic Show, Toys & Face Painting
(Jamaica, NY) - More than 250 children enjoyed an early Christmas and were treated to toys and face painting as part of the Eighth Annual Christmas Toy Giveaway & Magic Show holiday celebration at the Saratoga Family Inn homeless shelter in Southeast Queens.
The children, ranging in all ages, were also treated to food and music but the highlight of the fun-filled evening was the live magic show where several of the young audience members were called to the stage to participate.
“For eight years we have had the privilege of putting this event together working with the staff at the Saratoga Family Inn,” said Jean Duchatellier, president of the 1906 Project, Inc. “These children and their families have faced challenges so it warms your heart when you are able to bring smiles to their faces and families during this holiday season.”
The 1906 Project, Inc., a local not-for-profit organization sponsored the event held at The Saratoga Family Inn in Jamaica Queens near John F. Kennedy Airport on December 22nd.
The organization works to build stronger neighborhoods in Southeast Queens by partnering with individuals and institutions to advance quality local service initiatives that help develop tomorrow’s leaders.
City Councilman Donovan Richards, who donated toys to the event, said, “The holiday season is a time for giving, particularly to those who are less fortunate, which is why it is important that we never forget to make sure every child in the community has a gift to open on Christmas morning.
“I’d like to thank all the members of the community for donating toys to my office and the 1906 Project, Inc., for putting together another great event for the families at the Saratoga Family Inn,” Richards said.
The Saratoga Family Inn is one of the largest family homeless shelters in New York City providing temporary housing to more than 250 families and 375 children, officials said. Nationally, an estimated 2.5 million children are homeless, according to the National Center on Family Homelessness.
Other event co-sponsors included former New York Jet and OTH Resources, Inc., President & CEO Michel Faulkner, Eva Duzant, president of EG Edwards & Associates and Attorney Eric Sanders of the Sanders Firm P.C.
Faulkner said, “This Christmas is all about giving and we are very grateful for the opportunity to imitate God’s character in every area.”
Sanders said it was a privilege to participate and give back to the community.
“This makes you humble and I am happy that I could make a small contribution to such a worthy event,” Sanders said. “These children are our future so it very encouraging to see such tremendous turnout from the community.”
Special guests and volunteers included, Herlema Owens, president of Association of Women Construction Workers of America, Inc., and Lourdes M. Ventura, president of the Queens County Women’s Bar Association.
Ventura said, “This is a great event that gives the children an opportunity to see that they are loved and appreciated. And, it is always wonderful to see children laughing and playing. This is a very positive event not just for the Southeast Queens community but speaks to what makes New York great.”
Local Attorney Everett Hopkins of the Hopkins Law Group, an executive board member of the 1906 Project Inc., lauded the effort made by local elected officials and civic leaders during the busy holiday season to support the children.
“The Saratoga Family Inn is a special place that helps families get back on their feet,” Hopkins said. “The local elected officials and community leaders being here is the best holiday gift these children and their families could receive. It shows the power of working together as a community.”
The 1906 Project, Inc., has given out more than 1,500 toys to children in Southeast Queens during the past eight years.
Contact: 1906 Project, Inc. | Jean Duchatellier | (917) 309-8283
Curtis Taylor at (646) 741–9615 | curtismediapr@gmail.com@gmail.com
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