by Jennifer Marino
For this mother and many other families in Rockville Centre, Adopt A Family is their Santa Claus and the north pole is Maureen Remy's house. Remy, along with her sister Mary Testa and friend Denise Festa run the program, which is in its fifth year.
The families are selected by local organizations including the Hispanic Brotherhood, the Mayor's Community Fund, the Equal Opportunity Center and St. Agnes Outreach. Each family member receives a new outfit including pants, a shirt and shoes or sneakers. Adults may put a personal item on their list as well as household items like towels or sheets and children can ask for two specific toys. Generally the kids will receive more than the two toys they asked for.
"I think it's a great program," said Cepero, adding that the families not only get gifts, but dinner too.
On Christmas Eve, the families receive a turkey dinner complete with a pie for dessert from Brower Avenue Deli. The meals are paid for by donations and Brower Deli gives the program a generous price. Volunteers will meet up at the deli to deliver the meals to the 77 families included this year.
In a year when the economy is sluggish and donations are down throughout Long Island, Adopt A Family is "very important," said Sister Kathleen Murphy, director of St. Agnes Outreach.
According to Remy, generally a network of friends and family get together to share the expense of adopting a family, but she welcomes anyone who wants to help even if it is by buying one item. The wish lists include sizes and ages to facilitate shopping.
The wrapped and labeled gifts are dropped off at Remy's house. Deliveries began this week with Remy and Testa doing much of the work themselves.
For information about helping to deliver the meals on Christmas Eve or donating gifts, contact Remy at (516) 764-6938.
