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Light Drizzle Fog/Mist Holiday shopping spree at Matty’s Toy Stop in Hewlett
The rain was coming down outside Matty’s Toy Stop in the Peninsula Shopping Center in Hewlett on Dec. 21, but the excited children entering the toy store remained undeterred as for the sixth year in a row, the store teamed up with Nassau County Police Department, to have disadvantaged children choose some presents.
Santa Claus and some helpers handed out $110 certificates as children and their families perused the aisles of games and toys for just the right things to toss into their green or red sacks.
James McDermott, president of the Nassau County Police Benevolent Association, noted the importance of forming positive bonds with the young members of the community. “It’s about the relationship with the community,” he said. “We want to let them know we’re their friends.”
Jason Bromley, a defensive tackle for the New Orleans Saints, was there. A Queens native, Bromley played for the New York Giants for four years before signing with New Orleans. He posed for photos and signed a few footballs for excited fans.
With Christmas four days away, McDermott was also eager to spread some holiday cheer. “I think I get as much out of it as the kids and the families do,” he said. “Just seeing the happy looks on their faces.”
