The goal is to give 300 less fortunate children from Long Island presents for Christmas.
That’s the mindset of the Blue Angels and Holiday Magic, two local nonprofits that align each year for their Christmas Magic fundraiser.
The fundraising efforts are headed by Hauppauge attorney Charlie Russo (Holiday Magic) and local restauranteur David Chiarella (Blue Angels.)
The event organizers of Christmas Magic — who started this 34 holiday seasons ago — work closely with nearby shelters to pair kids in need with gifts they asked for from Santa.
“The idea is that every kid gets what they want,” said David Chiarella, “The parents have them write a letter to Santa and we fulfill those lists as best as we can.”
Chiarella’s name may ring familiar to locals in Patchogue, he’s the co-owner of three eateries on the island, including PeraBell Food Bar in Patchogue.
On typical years, he would use his establishments to host all kinds of in-person fundraising events. Due to COVID, these were all canceled.
To make sure Christmas Magic gets a present for each child on the list, the event organizers have turned to online fundraising. The groups made a GoFundMe page. Click here to donate.
In order to get the presents under the tree on time, the deadline to donate online is Dec. 20.
For those who want to drop off an unwrapped present, you can by stopping by 400 Townline Road in Hauppauge or PeraBell Food Bar in Patchogue.
Top: The Christmas Magic team purchasing presents last year (courtesy)
