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Community Corner

EOC's Toy Giveaway Delights Over 1000 Children

Spreading Joy and Cheer, One Toy at a Time

P. Frome, Community Contributor
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Children and their parents gather to receive toys and enjoy an afternoon of fun at the Glen Cove EOC’s Annual Toy Giveaway event.
Children and their parents gather to receive toys and enjoy an afternoon of fun at the Glen Cove EOC’s Annual Toy Giveaway event. (Photo courtesy Glen Cove EOC. )

Glen Cove, December 29, 2023 — The outstanding success of the Annual Toy Giveaway Event, organized by Glen Cove EOC (Economic Opportunity Commission), serves as a beacon of hope for the community. Under the leadership of Project Director Irma Jeanty and with the help of her team, a heartwarming celebration unfolded this past week, bringing joy to nearly 12,000 children.

Seniors group EOC
Members of Golden Legacy Seniors, a senior organization of the Glen Cove EOC, joined with other volunteers in serving food to the families and children who attended Glen Cove EOC’s Annual Toy Giveaway event. Photo courtesy Glen Cove EOC.

“I could not be more proud of my staff, the volunteers, our Advisory Board, our Youth Council members, and our Golden Legacy Seniors. Everyone stepped up to the plate, rolled up their sleeves, and got the job done!” Jeanty also expressed special appreciation to Glen Cove EOC Office Manager, Anwar Williams, for ensuring the seamless execution of the event.

Three
L-R: Glen Cove EOC Office Manager Anwar Williams, Glen Cove EOC Project Director Irma Jeanty, and Martino Auto Concepts Co-Owner Joe La Padula. Photo courtesy Joe Gallart.

Jeanty conveyed her appreciation, stating, "We want to extend our sincere thanks to the incredible sponsors who made this endeavor possible, including Glen Cove E.O.C., Glen Cove Housing Authority, The Waller Family, and Assemblymember Charles Lavine.

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irma and joe
Program Director Irma Jeanty (left) expresses her appreciation to Joe Gallart (right), of Merrick, for not only helping collect toys but also for traveling to Glen Cove each year to lend a hand at the Glen Cove EOC’s annual Toy Giveaway event. Photo courtesy Glen Cove EOC.

Special recognition is owed to First City Project, Martino Auto Concepts, Toys for Tots, Joe LaPadula, Jon Holzer, Assemblymember Charles Lavine, County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, Joe Gallart, and the numerous others who played a crucial role in collecting toys for the event.”

Lavine and children.
Assemblyman Charles D. Lavine, pictured in the photo wearing a blue sweater on the right, not only assisted in gathering toys at his legislative office and served as a sponsor for the event but also lent a hand on the day of the Toy Giveaway. Photo courtesy Glen Cove EOC.

Community leaders and elected officials who attended the event and lent a hand included Assemblymember Charles Lavine, Mayor Pam Panzenbeck, Councilwoman Marsha Silverman, Councilman-Elect John Zozzaro, and Deputy Mayor Donna McNaughton.

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Downer and Gail
Longtime Glen Cove EOC Advisory Board Member and chairperson of the board, Harriet Downer (at left), stands with a tray of food as Gail Waller (at Right) lends a hand by helping distribute eating utensils. Waller, and her family, are avid supporters of Glen Cove EOC. Photo courtesy Glen Cove EOC.

“A special shout-out goes to Gail Waller,” stated Jeanty, “for always providing exceptional food, gifts, and so much more at our events. Her support makes a big difference in the lives of our young people.

Elected officials
Program Director Irma Jeanty (far left) stands with elected officials and community leaders who attended and helped with Glen Cove EOC’s Toy Giveaway event. L-R: Program Director Irma Jeanty, Councilman-Elect John Zozzaro, Deputy Mayor Donna McNaughton, Councilwoman Marsha Silverman, Assemblymember Charles Lavine, Mayor Pam Panzenbeck. Photo courtesy Glen Cove EOC.

We also extend our gratitude to her sister Wendy, who not only contributed food, raffle items, and sweaters for our Youth Council Members but also joined Gail in serving food and refreshments to our attending families. With everyone's support, the holiday spirit was truly felt by the children and families who joined us.”

Youth
Glen Cove EOC Youth Council members join volunteers in distributing toys to children. Photo courtesy Glen Cove EOC.

Glen Cove E.O.C. is a satellite office of E.O.C. of Nassau County Inc. The organization aims to combat poverty by providing various services and programs to support economic self-sufficiency for individuals and families.

board and elected with Irma
Community working together. Glen Cove EOC Advisory Board Members, elected officials, and volunteers join Program Director Irma Jeanty and her staff in delivering toys to close to 1200 Children. L-R: Advisory Board Member Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews, Advisory Board Member Karen Jones, Program Director Irma Jeanty, Deputy Mayor Donna McNaughton, Mayor Pam Panzenbeck, and volunteer, sponsor, and supporter of Glen Cove EOC, Gail Waller. Photo courtesy Glen Cove EOC.

To learn more about E.O.C. of Nassau County, visit their website at www.eoc-nassau.org. Program Director Jeanty also urges the community to like and follow the Glen Cove EOC Facebook page, which can be found at www.facebook.com/GlenCoveEOC.

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