For the past 10 years, Guardian Angel has brought holiday cheer to families in need through its annual Giving Tree event. On Dec. 14, the tradition continued, offering hope and joy to the community even in challenging times.
Guardian Angel was founded 15 years ago with the hope of being a community resource center for those in need. Collaborating with other organizations such as pantries, clothing drives, children’s programs, and housing services, Guardian Angel has sought to meet those needs through donations and volunteerism.
“The program was started 15 years ago as an outreach resource center for families who maybe might need clothing, food, ESL classrooms, children’s programs, and housing,” Barbra Costello, the founder of the Guardian Angel program, said. “It was just to bring awareness to the community, to be a participant in meeting those needs by the donations, and by volunteerism from the commitment within the community.”
The Giving Tree event has been a long-standing tradition for the Guardian Angel program, inviting residents to meet Santa Claus, give presents to those in need, and have family Christmas card photos taken for those who might not otherwise be able to.
Martin Moskowitz, a former pulmonary care physician in Glen Cove who has been dressing as Santa Claus for the event for 10 years, says it is important to remind people that they are not forgotten.
“I find the world is tough right now, and I think that there are people who are marginalized,” Moskowitz said. “Whoever is coming in is welcome, and they get the same treatment, whether they’re there just for the first time, or whether they’ve been there 100 times. And I think that everybody is given a sense of, you know, this—they are important to us.”
Residents of the community are encouraged to buy presents before the event and donate them. Moskowitz then comes in as Santa Claus on the morning of the event, handing each child a gift. Costello says that this event is important because it reminds people not to take certain things for granted and to give back during the holiday season.
“I think it’s important just to say that, with celebrating the holidays, the holidays are a time of giving, and we should give to our neighbors, especially the ones in need,” Costello said. “We will have Martin come in, take pictures with the kids as Santa, give presents, and send families photos for Christmas cards. Sometimes we take all of that for granted. Some families can’t go to CVS, take a photo for their card, and shop around, so it is important to help them.”
