Allegria Hotel hosts ‘Wrap Party’ for Long Beach Waterfront Warriors

The Long Beach Waterfront Warriors, along with the Allegria Hotel, Long Beach Catholic Regional School and the VFW Lt. John F. O’Grady Post 1384, held a “wrap party” at the hotel on Sunday, Dec. 11, were more than 300 holiday care packages were prepared by volunteers and kids.

The boxes were filled with necessities for service men and women who are on duty overseas and recuperating at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and at the V.A. Hospital in Northport.

Children crafted holiday cards for the troops while the Long Beach Catholic Regional School Brownies Troop 2352 entertained the crowd with holiday songs.

Kids also had pictures taken with Santa Claus, who arrived on a Long Beach Fire Department engine, escorted by the FDNY’s Fire Riders Motorcycle Brigade. Waterfront Warrior’s co-chair Jerry Snell presented Allegria Hotel owner Alan Rosenberg with a certificate of recognition for his part in providing accommodations to the soldiers during LBWW events.

Several wounded service men from Walter Reed were on hand to meet the hundreds of volunteers who were sorting and packing cartons. And, as a special surprise for the guys, the Allegria’s Entertainment Sales Manager Ingrid Dodd set up a visit from rock ’n’ roll legend Joan Jett. The musician thanked the men for their service and handed out CD’s for them to take home.

For three years, the LBWW’s, with the help of volunteers and contributions, have invited wounded, ill and injured soldiers to Long Beach for a few days of relaxation along our beaches with fun activities, welcome parades and trips to New York City. Next year’s visit will begin on July 22. For more information, visit lbwaterfrontwarriors.org.