LI Residents Help Bring Holiday Cheer To Nearly 1K Children

WYANDANCH, NY — Hundreds of children got a special gift this holiday season thanks to donations given during a Winter Wonderland Christmas Toy Giveaway event in Wyandanch last week.

The event, which took place on Dec. 23 at SpinTheYard on 1529 Straight Path, was created to help families affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Kevin Spann, a Wyandanch High School graduate and active community member, teamed up with his sister-in-law Renita Certain, owner of SpinTheYard boutique with stores in both Huntington and Wyandanch, and his close friend Chenaqua Rogers, from Uncaged Voices to createthe special holiday event for children in the community.

During the festive event, over 175 kids and 140 families stopped by to receive cookies, hot chocolate and pay a socially-distanced visit to Santa Claus.

Photo credit: Dre’s House

In addition, during the event between 800 and 1,000 toys donated from several elected officials, churches, non-profit organizations and community residents, were distributed to the children.

The organizers were able to collect and give out 4 to 5 toys to each child.

"Sponsoring Winter Wonderland in Wyandanch gives me a chance to create special memories for local families," Spann said. "I’m just a kid from Wyandanch who never forgot what it’s like growing up here."

Spann is no stranger to helping his community in 2020. For Thanksgiving, Spann teamed up with actor Daryl Mitchell to give away 500 turkeys to families in need at Compare Foods in Wyandanch. He also bought meals for first responders near his office in Middle Village and donated surgical masks to frontline workers and business owners impacted by the coronavirus.

Photo credit: Dre’s House

Photo credit: Dre’s House

Photo credit: Dre’s House

Photo credit: Dre’s House