FOR MOST CHILDREN, HANUKKAH AND ALL THE FESTIVITES THAT COME ALONG WITH THE HOLIDAY ARE MAGICAL. HOWEVER, FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS, THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS CAN BE CHALLENGING. IT CAN EVEN BE RATHER STRESSFUL DUE TO THE CHANGE IN ROUTINE AND THE OVERWHELMING SOUNDS, SMELLS AND SIGHTS. FOR PARENTS, IT CAN BECOME A BALANCING ACT, TRYING TO KEEP THE CHILD WITH SPECIAL NEEDS HAPPY WHILE KEEPING THE HOLIDAY SPECIAL FOR HIS/HER SIBLINGS. THAT’S WHERE CARE STEPS IN. CARE CONSIDERS THE NEEDS OF THE ENTIRE FAMILY AND ENSURES THAT HANUKKAH WILL BE THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE YEAR FOR EACH AND EVERY MEMBER.
The energy was palpable and the atmosphere was exhilarating at our Annual Hanukkah event, as over 400 children passed through the doors of Toys2Discover. They weren’t just handed a toy; instead they received a gift certificate to choose any toy their heart desired! The children’s faces radiated with happiness as they stood in front of shelves of the newest games and toys and were able to choose whatever they wished for.
The highlight of the evening was the sense of pride each sibling displayed as they said thank you to the child with special needs for having them in their family and told them how much they’re loved. NYPD Clergy Liaison David Heskiel and CARE boardmember, NYPD Clergy Liaison Yehuda Eckstein and NYPD Inspector Richie Taylor were in attendance to show their support.
Another event took place at Yeshivah of Flatbush, where hundreds of children with special needs enjoyed an unforgettable, magical day. It was a breathtaking moment when the children walked through the doors with smiles sprawled across their faces, as they were greeted by balloon artists, stilt walkers, clowns and cheerful music. The thrill of children standing at a Toy Wonderland and being handed an Xbox they never dreamed of calling their own, or a keyboard so badly wished for, was truly a sight to be cherished. The high point of the event was when non-verbal children were handed iPads which they can use as communication devices. The impact was truly heartwarming as many wishes came true. This magical day simply would not have been possible without Rabbi Besser and the dedicated students of the Yeshiva of Flatbush’s MCF group, headed by Bobby Fallack and Max Elmann. The show stopping gifts were generously donated by the incredible hearts and passionate support of Richie Nektalov and his generous friends.
Shaare Torah PTA ensured that CARE families that were unable to attend the two events were not forgotten! With toys graciously donated by Shaare parents through the annual toy drive, they hand delivered brand new gift-wrapped toys to the CARE families.
Jumping for joy CARE children said: “It’s the best Hanukkah of my life!” Thank you to all who opened their hearts and allowed CARE to create a flicker of hope and radiate a shining light during this Hanukkah season.
