East Meadow Kiwanis shows the true meaning of Christmas though their meal and gift drive-by

A little holiday spirit was shared trough East Meadow Kiwanis on Dec. 18 as members gathered at Borrelli’s Restaurant in East Meadow to hand out trays of hot food, gift cards, and toys to families in need.

Cars waited in line as members inside prepared their age-appropriate toy or gift card and Borrelli’s meal for them. Santa Claus greeted cars outside with candy canes.

One of the club’s most popular traditions is a Christmas party, — started in the 90s — held at Borrelli’s each year for families in need in the community, but ever since the coronavirus pandemic it has switched to a drive-by collection.

“This was a dinner for many many years,” Jennifer Reinhardt, the club’s immediate past president said. “For the pandemic we pivoted so that families could sell enjoy a meal and receive toys for their holiday.”

The club hosted its Secret Snowflake Toy Drive through December to collect toys for the event and Borrelli’s cooked Italian meals for each family. Gift cards were collected as well to give to the older kids. Stew Leonard’s donated cookies to complete each meal.

“All the toys were donated by community members,” Reinhardt said. “This year we were lucky enough to partner with many local businesses.

“The community was very generous, we were really floored with the amount of donations that we got.”

Kiwanis partners with the school district to identify the families that are in need. The event sees anywhere from 75 to 100 families in need each year. Social workers from the schools came out to drop off any meals and presents that weren’t picked up.

“It’s always a little surprising to see how many families are in need,” club President Diane Krug said. “But I’m so happy that we have had such great fundraisers that allow us to be able to do this.”

David Rothman, a kiwanian who has been helping with the event for over 20 years, said that he loves this event.

“This is all about the holiday spirit,” Rothman said. “It’s sad when you see the same people on the regular, and they have something going on in their life that they just can’t get out of, but knowing we helped somebody in need is just great.”

According to the Long Island Cares Harry Chapin Food Bank, approximately 230,000 people on Long Island suffer from food insecurity, including 68,000 children.

Island Harvest reports that the number of children facing hunger in the United States rose during the pandemic – from more than 10 million children in 2019 to nearly 12 million children in 2020, and that families with children, especially single-parent families, are more likely to face hunger.

Events like the Kiwanis drive-by event ensure that some local families get the help they need, especially during the holidays.

“This is one of the best events that we do, there is nothing better than giving to a child at holiday time,” Krug said. “Some families are getting a great holiday and a great meal from Borrelli’s.”