Christmas came early at Matty’s Toy Shop in Rockville Centre as a Holiday Toy Shopping Spree brought smiles — and shopping bags — to about 20 students from the Roosevelt school district.
The Nassau County Guardians Association and Simply Sistah’s, a Nassau County nonprofit organization, organized the Dec. 17 event, giving each student a $115 voucher to spend during the shopping spree. The Guardians Association and Simply Sistah’s split the $100 cost per child, while Matty’s Toy Shop contributed an additional $15 per voucher.
Students were selected by the Roosevelt school district from its elementary schools based on need.
“Each child they selected is a child in need,” said Lynn Singleton, co-founder of Simply Sistah’s.
After stepping off the bus, the students eagerly rushed into the store, each accompanied by an adult, and began filling their bags with toys as they worked to maximize their vouchers. Once finished shopping, the children lined up at the registers to check out their selections.
Bailey Wright, 6, a first-grader at Washington Rose Elementary School, was among the first to finish.
“I’m excited about getting toys and having fun,” she said.
Sharima Williams, the family and community engagement liaison for the Roosevelt School District, said the event created a memorable holiday experience for the children.
“How exciting is it to put smiles on children’s faces before Christmas and let them experience joy and happiness during the holiday season?” Williams said. “It’s so special.”
Simply Sistah’s was founded in 2019 and held its first brunch fundraiser in 2020. Since then, proceeds from its events have supported organizations and causes including Powerhouse Church, A Child Beyond, which serves children with autism, and H.A.N.A., the Haitian American Nurses Association.
The Nassau County Guardians Association focuses on increasing community awareness, promoting engagement with the criminal justice system and enhancing the quality of life in the county’s African American community. Its membership includes African American law enforcement officers from agencies throughout Nassau County.
For more information about Simply Sistah’s, visit SimplySistahs.com.
