This holiday season, 15 Long Island businesses and organizations partnered with SIBSPlace, a Rockville Centre-based nonprofit, to bring holiday cheer to children coping with family illness and loss.
Through the annual Adopt-A-SIBS-Kid program, more than 100 children received personalized gifts from their holiday wish lists during a special event held at SIBSPlace.
The Adopt-A-SIBS-Kid program allows local businesses and community members to adopt individual children and provide them with gifts, ensuring each child receives something meaningful for the holidays. For many families facing emotional and financial challenges, these gifts represented the largest presents their children received this season.
“We are grateful to our generous community for helping make this event possible,” said Joanna Formont, a licensed mental health counselor and executive director of SIBSPlace. “The Adopt-A-SIBS-Kid Holiday Party not only gave children gifts, but it also created a sense of support and connection, helping families feel less isolated during difficult times.”
Participating businesses and organizations included Hewlett High School student council and basketball team, Morgan Stanley, VIP Auto Group, Let Your Light So Shine, Kiki Christmas PJs, The Little Doll Studio, the RVC Recreation Center, Pure Barre Oceanside, Jerry and Nancy Bloomberg, the Freeport Police Department, the Love, Ava Project, and members of the Seawane Club.
These groups worked together to fulfill the holiday wish lists of children in need, celebrating both Christmas and Hanukkah.
The gift presentation took place during SIBSPlace’s annual holiday party, where families enrolled in its programs gathered for a festive celebration. Santa Claus, assisted by the Rockville Centre Fire Department, made a special appearance to deliver holiday cheer to the children.
SIBSPlace provides mental health services, peer support, and family programming to children who are dealing with the loss or illness of a family member. The Adopt-A-SIBS-Kid program helps create a sense of normalcy for children during a season that can be especially difficult for those facing such challenges.
