50 LI Kids Get Special Holiday Shopping Spree At Local Target

BAY SHORE, NY - Fifty lucky children got a taste of holiday magic recently. To brighten the holiday season, United Way of Long Island partnered with the Make It Count Foundation to provide the children whose families could not necessarily afford to buy gifts, each with a $50 gift card last Wednesday.

The kids then got to go on a holiday shopping spree at Target, located on Sunrise Highway in Bay Shore. The participating families were nominated by agencies including the Family Service League, United Veterans Beacon House, Choice For All and the Gerald J. Ryan Outreach Center. In addition, some of the children were students and graduates of United Way of Long Island’s YouthBuild program.

After starting off with some holiday treats, the children when on their shopping sprees, many buying toys for themselves while others chose gifts for loved ones including siblings or aunts and uncles. Some of the more popular items that were purchased included baby dolls, action figures and games.

"Not a single family should be left without support this time of year. This event gives young girls and boys the opportunity to take home any toy of their choice and be included in holiday festivities," Jon Reese, Founder of Make It Count Foundation, said. "We feel incredibly fortunate to brighten the holidays for so many deserving children and witness the gratitude of receiving families."