Home for the holidays - and charities

Debbie Oshan opened her Jenkins Street house on Dec. 12 to five vendors, earning funds to donate to the non-profit organizations and other charities of their choice, many for reasons close to their hearts. Together, they brought in about $2,000, said Oshan.
"I just feel so fortunate," she said, describing her sense of gratitude that her family of six could enjoy the holidays together. "This is my chance to give back."
Oshan said she planned to donate her portion of the profits, garnered from the sale of her husband Kirk's line of KC Creation coats and her own homemade chocolates, to local families in need during the holiday season.
Michelle Steinmetz of East Meadow offered a wide array of jewelry from Designs by Michelle, which she runs out of her house. "All of the jewelry is handmade and hand-painted. I try not to make anything twice," said Steinmetz of the blown glass and beaded pieces. Steinmetz said she intended to donate a portion of her profits to Hadassah, the Women's Zionist Organization, which she would hand-deliver on an upcoming trip to Israel.
Maryann Fusaro of Westbury brought a variety of jewelry, clothing and accessories that she ordinarily sells at Positudes Pharmacy on Merrick Avenue in Merrick, which she owns with her husband, Vincent. "I came with a carload of stuff, and I'd like to go back with just a few boxes," she said.
Fusaro said she has been involved in other charity events, but said, "This is my first time doing it on my own, and I've never done it in this way before." She credited her friendship with Oshan for her involvement in the evening, as well as a desire to raise funds for CurŽ of Ars Roman Catholic Church on Merrick Avenue in Merrick and the Coalition for Hemophilia B, a disease that she said runs in her family.
Oshan said she hoped to make the event annual.
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