Empire City Casino Donates Over 1,000 Toys And Coats

From Empire City Casino: Christmas came early at Empire City Casino with the presentation to Catholic Charities of nearly one thousand toys and coats collected during the casino’s Tenth Annual “Christmas Spirit” Toy and Coat Drive. The donations will ensure that New Yorkers in need have a warm coat this winter and a toy or two to put under the Christmas tree for their children.

Timothy J. Rooney, president and CEO of Empire City Casino, presented the annual donation toMonsignor Kevin Sullivan, executive director of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York and Órla Kelleher, executive director of Aisling Irish Community Center of Yonkers. The presentation took place inside the casino atrium with the donated toys and coats on full display.

Joining Rooney and Monsignor Sullivan were Westchester County Executive Robert P. Astorino; Mayor of the City of Yonkers Mike Spano; New York State Senate Minority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins; New York State Senator George Latimer; New York State Assembly Member Shelley Mayer; New York State Assembly Member Gary Pretlow; and Westchester County Legislator David Tubiolo. Reminding the public that there is need in the County, those assembled made their own contributions and encouraged both corporations and individuals to give back to the community.

Though Westchester County is often considered to be an affluent and wealthy community because of its median income of $83,422, there are still extreme pockets of poverty. Recent statistics indicate nearly 10 percent of Westchester residents are living in poverty, and 31 percent of that population is under the age of 17. Over 12 percent of families do not have anyone in the household employed, and 52 percent of those living in poverty are single parents.

“Social responsibility is not just for corporations, it is imperative we all do what we can,” said Rooney. “Giving back is about community and helping others move forward. There are no greater deeds than charity and service.”

The drive to help families in our communities attracted some West Coast warmth. Josh Blake, president of California-based and family-owned company, The Gander Group, donated hundreds of toys to the annual drive. This is the fifth consecutive year that Blake and his family have showered New Yorkers with their generosity. He is committed to assisting those less fortunate, and participates in toy drives like Empire City’s, and also donates time, money, food and clothing to those who need assistance.

“This is my favorite time of year,” said Blake. “Giving brings me joy. My life has been fortunate, I have a wonderful family, a wonderful company and I am surrounded by love. Every year I try to give back and spread that love to others.”

Another annual key contributor to the effort is John Lennon, owner of Yonkers-based Smart Move & Storage, who generously donates his company’s services to transport and store of all donations while they are distributed by local community organizations.

“Once again we are fortunate, through the generosity of Tim Rooney and the Empire City Casino family for this donation of toys and coats that will benefit some of the more vulnerable families that we work with in the City of Yonkers and beyond,” said Monsignor Sullivan. “In this Christmas season we are grateful that this spirit of generosity and caring enables Catholic Charities to provide help and new hope in the lives of Non-Catholics and Catholics alike whom we serve.”

For the 10th consecutive year, Empire City Casino and Catholic Charities have teamed to make the holiday season warmer and happier for those New York families in need. This year’s “Christmas Spirit” Toy and Coat Drive began November 1st and generous donors have given over 600 toys and more than four hundred coats. The toys and coats will be distributed through Catholic Charities community agencies to families in need. The toy and coat drive has become a holiday tradition at Empire City Casino and thousands of toys and coats have been donated since 2007 when the campaign was first launched.

“Aisling Irish Community Center is delighted to be chosen again this year as a recipient of Empire City Casino’s annual coat and toy drive,” said Kelleher. “Aisling Irish Community Center is widely recognized as a resource and respite center in Yonkers. We provide programs and services for the more vulnerable people in our community, i.e. seniors, low income families, homeless, etc. Empire City Casino’s generous contribution to our holiday appeal is welcomed with open arms by Aisling Irish Community Center as well as by all the grateful recipients.”

“The holidays provide a wonderful opportunity to show goodwill to our neighbors,” saidWestchester County Executive Robert Astorino. “Once again, Empire City Casino, and all the generous donors who contributed to the toy and coat drive, are making the holidays brighter, warmer and happier.”

“The holiday season is not about what we hope to receive in gifts but rather how we can give of ourselves to benefit others in our community,” said Mayor Mike Spano. “The annual toy and coat drive, hosted by our generous and supportive partners at Empire City Casino, is one example among many of Yonkers uniting together in generosity and service during the season of giving. I want to thank Tim Rooney, Jr. and the entire team at Empire City Casino for their continued commitment to Yonkers.”

"The holiday season is a time of giving," said Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins. "Empire City Casino has worked with Catholic Charities for ten years to distribute toys and coats to kids who might otherwise have nothing to open during the holidays. I'm grateful to represent such a generous community and I encourage everyone to contribute to this charitable effort. The best way to show our appreciation for all the great things in our lives is to extend a helping hand to those who need it."

"This is one of my favorite events of the year. Catholic Charities does such good work providing for our needy neighbors, and Empire City Casino and the Rooney family continue to show their generosity right here in Yonkers. The families in this area that are in need have really hit the jackpot with these two groups," said Senator Latimer.

“No act of giving is ever too small or unappreciated and I commend Mr. Rooney and the Empire City Casino for their ongoing effort in providing toys and coats that will offer a special, joyous and warm holiday season for hundreds of families throughout our community,” said Assemblymember Pretlow.

"The Rooney Family and the staff at Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway have been wonderful and caring partners to all the members of our Yonkers family. Year after year, they have joined with Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York to make the holiday season a bit brighter for those who face additional challenges. I appreciate all they do to support our neighbors and am proud to be part of this effort," said Assembly member Mayer.

Image Courtesy Of Empire City Casino