The families of Catholic Charities of Long Island’s WIC program enjoyed a Christmas celebration to remember, courtesy of Peter & Jeri Dejana Foundation, at CCLI’s building on North Main Street in Freeport.

The third floor was bustling with activity all morning Dec. 18 as the Catholic Charities team from several departments worked together to stack two adjoining hallways with toys, games, balls, stuffed animals, baby strollers as well as jackets, sweatshirts, and pajamas in many styles and colors. There was even a tutu or two, too.

A special visitor had his own location near the entryway, next to a Christmas tree surrounded by presents. Santa Claus, aka Catholic Charities board member Dave Klaum, said he’s been playing Ol’ St. Nick for 45 years, at family parties and then at Catholic Charities events, since he first bought the red suit, boots and white hair and beard.
The appearances never grow old, especially during visits to Catholic Charities’ residences for the developmentally disabled or occasions like the celebration in Freeport. “For Santa to be there and to be interactive,” Klaum shared. “When Santa receives them and embraces them, you can feel the joy.”

One thing that might have made the experience a bit better for Santa was some air conditioning. It was hot under the Santa suit, much more so than the North Pole, Klaum kidded when Catholic Charities’ CEO Mike Smith asked if he needed anything. The mood was lifted by festive holiday decorations proclaiming Merry Christmas and Feliz Navidad, a nod to the guests’ bilingual backgrounds. Some moms pushed strollers, with young babies inside.
WIC client Emilianny, joined by her four-year-old daughter and one-year-old son, said the celebration was “super nice.” She was very happy Catholic Charities could host the gathering, thanks to the generosity of Peter & Jeri Dejana Foundation. “It was good they did this for the kids,” noted the mom, whose favorite part was seeing Santa Claus. “They had great toys, and the food was great. Those toys were expensive,” she said, speaking appreciatively of the snacks and drinks waiting as visitors came off the elevators. She noted the quality of the gifts and their expense.

Another mom, Iris, who was with her two daughters, 5 and 1, was thankful for the gifts, especially because she is raising her kids at home now. “It’s very helpful, I’m not working, only my husband. I’m really thankful for what you’re doing,” she said. The day would not have been possible without Peter & Jeri Dejana Foundation, which provided a substantial grant for the clothes and toys as well as gift cards to be distributed to the families. “I’m definitely thankful for Peter & Jeri Dejana Foundation,” said Amy Agiato, director of the WIC program, as she surveyed the joyful scene. Agiato explained that some toys would be given to the dozen members of WIC’s breastfeeding moms group, which meets after Christmas. As the day ended, other gifts were packed for delivery to the WIC program in Amityville and Parish Social Ministry outreach efforts.

Peter & Jeri Dejana Foundation helps 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations such as Catholic Charities of Long Island to provide life-enriching services directly impacting the broadest number of community residents. Recipients include houses of worship, health care organizations, environmental agencies, sports & athletics, veterans, special needs programs, education, scholarship funds, libraries and many others. 

WIC had invited 50 families with 100 kids, and most of the people showed up right on time as the program began at 11 a.m. Staff members on the first floor directed traffic and kept the flow of people steady. When visitors arrived upstairs, each family had a personal shopper to show them the gifts. The atmosphere was orderly, relaxed and fun.

WIC coordinator Lauren Sondey and NOEP coordinator Reina Rivas played key roles, as did others who sent texts and Google Sheets surveys to alert and organize families. The Development and Communications Department, under director Danielle Campbell and with logistical support from Maren Henderson, was on the scene, as was Parish Social Ministry staff, under director Paula Malloy. Christine Lai, director of Mental Health Services, and Linda Reich, coordinator of the CARES program, provided support, as did members of the maintenance crew and other staff and volunteers.