Santa makes a guest appearance at Serenity House

For Immediate Release
PRESS RELEASE
December 22, 2008

African American Planning Commission Inc. (AAPCI)

Santa makes a guest appearance at Serenity House

Santa Claus, in the form of the Judith C. White Foundation, made an early guest appearance at Serenity House Family Residence -- a transitional domestic violence shelter operated by the African American Planning Commission in Brooklyn, New York. He brought with him a $2,500 check to help resident families celebrate the Christmas holiday.

"The funds will be used to purchase gift cards from Target and to host the shelter's annual Christmas party," said Matthew Okebiyi, founder and Executive Director of the Commission. "During the holidays, many of our shelter residents often stay in their apartments with no where to go and have no families to visit. Christmas can be a very depressing time for many survivors of domestic violence especially those residing in shelters. No one really thinks of the needs of homeless parents as individuals. We all too often concentrate our efforts on making their children happy and comfortable, forgetting that homeless parents often have to address various stressors during the holidays. Some of our residents are new to New York City. Some are new immigrants from other countries who have fled their abusers with nothing more than the clothes on their backs and a few personal belongings. We have a few residents from out-of-state while others have severed all ties with their immediate families due to incidents of child abuse and domestic violence. I am very grateful and humbled by the generosity of all my online friends and acquaintances that sent checks and made online donations toward Serenity House's Christmas holiday drive," said Okebiyi. 

"On Christmas eve, the children of our facility and their parents will be presented with toys and the gift cards. Parents will be able to use the gift cards to purchase essential items or special treats to brighten their family's holiday," said Monica Lee, Supervisor of Social Services at Serenity House. 

"This year Santa Claus had many helpers who showered the children of Serenity House with toys, clothing, books and other assorted gifts. If these other Santa's had names, we would call them Pamela Junior and her corporate sponsor - who wishes to remain anonymous -- and has been extremely generous to the residents of our facility over the years. NYCares, Toys for Tots, Broadway Dance Center, and Orkin Pest Control all made significant contributions to our Christmas holiday drive. We expect to see a lot of teeth and smiles on happy faces," said Gladys Pipkins, Assistant Director of Serenity House.

It is the generous, selfless spirit of foundations, individuals and corporations that help to keep the spirit of the holiday season alive.  The staff and residents of Serenity House Family Residence thank these charitable benefactors for their kind offerings.

Visit the African American Planning Commission online to learn more about its programs and services at www.aapci.org