Sandy Claus expands holiday cheer

Sandy Claus is once again coming to town.

To prove the more, the merrier, the Secret Sandy Claus Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to brightening Christmas for children whose families are still hurting from Superstorm Sandy, has partnered with NYC Marines Toys for Tots and We Care New York, which will allow the project to expand its aid to include those physically ill or less fortunate financially.

“Previously, when the Marines received individual toy requests, we had to direct them to local non-profits and police precincts that we provide thousands of toys to each year,” said Staff Sergeant Dustin Ramirez, the NYC Marines Toys for Tots Coordinator. “This new partnership will allow us the ability to direct individual family toy requests on our website to the Secret Sandy Claus Project.  And with We Care New York’s assistance and coordination, we will have many more volunteers helping us at our toy sorting operation. It’s a win-win situation for all involved.”

Michael Sciaraffo, who founded Sandy Claus in December, 2012 and delivered toys to children dressed as Saint Nick, is thrilled to be able to help those in need of holiday cheer in a larger scale. “It will now allow our organization the capacity to expand our reach not just to those affected by Sandy but also for many more children who may be stricken with childhood cancer, disabled, economically disadvantaged, in a foster home or homeless. It really opens up the possibilities for who our organization can help,” he said.

Meanwhile, We Care New York will deal with logistical support and aid in recruiting volunteer teams that will work with Marines Toys for Tots at Floyd Bennett Field. “By joining forces with NYC Marines Toys for Tots, we can share our organization’s resources and talents, helping many more people in need and expanding our network into as many communities as we can,” said Michael Taylor, president of We Care New York. “Many more children who are less fortunate will be smiling this holiday season as a result of our new partnership, our shared goals and collective efforts. Helping those in need is really what it is all about.”

If interested in registering children for toys or to make a tax deductible donation, visit www.SSCPNY.org.